Vruwink: Buying local to support central Wisconsin’s economy

The holiday season is upon us, and I’m reminded each December of the importance of the Christmas tree industry to Wisconsin.

In recent years, Wisconsin Christmas tree growers have produced more than 900,000 trees a year and Wisconsin is in the top five tree-producing states.

According to the United States Department of Commerce, 80 percent of artificial trees are made in China. For every tree harvested, another one to three seedlings are planted. Real Christmas trees are reusable as mulch and firewood.

Amy Sue Vruwink

This year, the White House Christmas tree, on display in the Blue Room, came from Neshkoro. This tree is the seventh to travel from our home state to the White House since 1966. In years past, Wisconsin has also sent the official tree for the United States Capitol.

When you buy from our local small businesses, you are making an investment in our community. They take pride in supporting local non-profits, sports teams and fundraisers. They have more unique offerings than many larger national retailers, and customer service at local retailers is always top-notch.

Economic recovery and development begins at home. Patronizing local small businesses keeps your hard-earned money in the community and buying your tree from a Wisconsin grower is a renewable practice that helps our local economy.

It’s also important to remember those among us who need some help to have a nice holiday. I’ve compiled a list of events and organizations that are doing just that. Many other businesses, schools and churches are providing resources as well, and I encourage you to find the best giving opportunity for you.

The Shoppes at Wood Ridge at 503 E. Ives. St. in Marshfield have an Angel Tree set up near courtyard with ornament requests for gifts. Wrapped gifts should be brought to the mall office.

The St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Center in Marshfield at 169 N. Central Ave., is accepting donations of new or gently used clothes. Children can shop for free gifts for their parents and parents can find deals for kids. Their food pantry is also in need of donations.

Sweaters for Seniors is seeking donations to help low-income seniors in the Stevens Point area. New sweaters and cash donations are accepted at Anchor Bank locations in Plover and Stevens Point.

Christmas Caring Trees are set up with over 500 gift request ornaments for local nursing homes at M&I Bank Stevens Point, the Portage County heath Care Center lobby, the Pacelli High School lobby, and the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools central office. Purchased gifts need to be returned to the tree the ornament was taken from or to Pacelli High by 3 p.m. on Dec. 19.

As always, my office is available to assist you with concerns you may have. I can be reached via e-mail at Rep.Vruwink@legis.wisconsin.gov or by phone toll-free at 1-888-534-0070.