Lots happening at the Festival of Trees Saturday at Betty Ehart Senior Center including a visit from Santa Claus, a craft fair, silent auction of trees, wreaths and gifts. Courtesy photo

LARSO NEWS RELEASE

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, asks for your patience and understanding, as they attempt their first in-person fundraiser, on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.

The center does require vaccination for Covid-19, masks, and temperature checks, at the door. Many Covid safe protocols are designed to keep members safe yet still make an attempt to resume normal activities. The event will include; a small craft fair, a large silent auction of trees, wreaths, gifts and a raffle.

Those wishing to donate a hand-made, or store-bought ornament for the CommUNITY tree, may drop them off at either senior center. The “Be a Santa for a Senior,” begins on Monday with small requests for holiday gifts. Donations of spare change or low sodium and sugar non-perishables are requested for their new pantry project as there is no fee for entry.

Santa will be there for the Saturday event with a reservation process implemented this year to allow for social distancing. Unfortunately, masks will be required to allow this 16-year tradition to take place. Since the center can’t allow unvaccinated people in the facility, a special location has been set up to allow photographs. Appointments can be made beginning Monday at 9 a.m. by calling (505) 662-8920.

“We understand that the event won’t look exactly the same as before the pandemic, including the 2 p.m. payment and pick-up, when the event comes to a close,” said Bernadette Lauritzen, LARSO Executive Director. “We ask for patience as we attempt to raise funds for senior programs, as we struggle through the pandemic.”