Christmas is just around the corner, and Troop 60 will be selling Christmas wreaths again this year.  The letter below is being sent home with the boys to provide families with answers to common questions on this fundraiser for 2000. If you have questions, please call or e-mail Brian Hendricks at the number or address listed below.

Christmas is just around the corner, and Troop 60 will be selling Christmas wreaths again this year.  This letter is being sent to provide families with answers to common questions on this fundraiser for the 2000-2001 scouting year.

“Why do we sell Christmas wreaths?”

The primary reason for selling wreaths is so that the boys can raise money to go on a summer camping trip.  For example, a week at Camp Cuyuna costs approximately $120.  If a boy sells 34 wreaths this year and earns $3.50 per wreath, he will have $119 in his troop account for camp next summer.  If a boy can not go to summer camp, this money can still be used to pay his annual dues and for campouts such as the spring and fall camporees, Klondike Derby, and other outings.

“How much are the wreaths, and how are the profits distributed?”

For each regular "scout" wreath (with a plastic bow) a boy sells on his own at $12.00,  $3.50 will be credited to the boy’s troop account.  For each "fancy" wreath (with a velvet bow and red berries) a boy sells on his own at $15.00,  $4.00 will be credited to the boy’s troop account.  Group sales (such as those done after church services) will be handled by dividing the proceeds for each shift worked amongst the boys who work that shift.  For example, if 4 boys sell a total of 10 regular "scout" wreaths after 5:15 mass, $8.75 of the $35.00 total profit (10 at $3.50 each) will be credited to the account of each boy who worked that shift.  This year, we have raised the price for two reasons.  First of all, our cost has gone up in each of the last two years but we did not raise our prices.  Secondly, there is another troop in town that also sells Christmas wreaths.  Last year they were selling them for more than we were.  It's not fair to them if we're undercutting their price, and it's not fair to our boys if we don't make the same profit.  All troops charge the same amount for popcorn, so we thought it would be best if we standardized on a wreath price this year, too.

“When can we start selling wreaths?”

The “official” start date is November 17th, as we hope to have wreaths from our supplier by that date.  The boys will have better luck selling door-to-door if they have an actual wreath with them.  However, you can begin to “pre-sell” to friends, neighbors, and relatives anytime before that date.  Forms are available to help you keep track of your orders.  You should have received a copy of the order form with this letter.  Additional forms are available from Brian Hendricks.  You can also download and print out the form from the Troop 60 web site if you have internet access and a printer.

We will be selling wreaths after church services at St. John Vianney again this year.  Mark your calendars for Saturday November 18th,  Sunday November 19th,  Saturday November 25th,  and Sunday November 26th.  Boys working after 5:15 mass should meet on the south side of the church at 5:55 PM unless they are attending that service, in which case they should get there as soon as possible after Mass ends.  Similarly, for 8:00 Mass we will meet at 8:40 AM.  Last year, we sold before and after 11:00 Mass with good results.  We will plan to meet about 10:15 AM and again at 11:40 AM.

This year, we will also be selling wreaths at the Five Lakes Centre "After Glows Party" after the Fairmont Glows Parade.  Boys should plan to be at the main entrance on the east side (near Interlaken Joe's) at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 17th.  There is already another troop that is selling wreaths downtown.  Not wanting to impose on their territory, we decided to give the mall a try this year.
“Can I sell wreaths outside of my neighborhood?”

Absolutely!!  If you’re traveling out of town for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to take some wreaths along.  While we tend to focus on residential door-to-door selling, don’t be afraid to approach businesses, too!  Parents might also approach their employers about buying wreaths as holiday gifts for employees.  Be creative, but please be respectful of other boys (and other troops) who are also selling wreaths.

“Where do I get the wreaths and when do we collect the money?”

After we pick up wreaths from our supplier, we will be giving each boy a bundle of wreaths to sell.  We recommend that money be collected from customers when the wreaths are delivered.  It is OK if people want to pre-pay for wreaths, but this involves additional work to keep track of who has paid and who hasn’t.  Please DO NOT deliver wreaths that have not been paid for - the boys are responsible for turning in the money for all wreaths that they are given.

When boys have sold and delivered their initial bundle of wreaths, they should give the money collected to Brian Hendricks.  They can then request additional wreaths.  All money must be turned in by December 20th.

“What if I can’t sell the wreaths I have?”

If you can’t sell all of the wreaths you have please call Brian immediately!  There may be another boy who can sell them.  Once the troop buys the wreaths we can not return them, and we can not afford to pay for unsold wreaths.  Unfortunately, this has happened in the past.  Therefore, if you can’t sell the wreaths you have and do not contact us promptly, you will be responsible for the cost of the unsold wreaths.  It just isn’t fair for the other boys to have to pay for them.

“Where should wreaths be stored until they are delivered?”

We recommend that you store them in a cool place such as an unheated garage or storage shed so they do not dry up and turn brown.  It is best to put a sheet of plastic or tarp underneath when storing or transporting wreaths, as some of the needles will invariably fall off.  It is best to stack the “fancy” wreaths face to face, so any rust on the metal rings does not rub off onto the velvet bows.  This isn’t a problem with the standard “scout” wreaths that have a plastic bow.

“Should the boys wear their uniform when selling wreaths?”

No!  This is a fundraiser for our troop and is not an official national Boy Scouts of America sponsored activity (like popcorn is), so the boys should not wear their uniforms when selling wreaths.

“Who should I contact if I have any other questions or concerns?”

Contact this year’s wreath sales coordinator:

Brian Hendricks
Home: 235-3090  (Feel free to leave a message if I’m not home.)
Work: 235-2105  (I also have voice-mail at work. Please don’t be afraid to use it.)
E-mail: brianh@rconnect.com