Boy Scouts partake in annual Christmas tree pick up and recycling efforts around Bend

(Update: Adding video,comments from boy scouts, organization representative, and a parent)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Boy Scouts are helping to collect Christmas trees in Central Oregon, for the 33rd Annual Tree Collection. 

"Just a good fundraiser for Boy Scouts," Boy Scout, Troop 18, Maddox Murphy said Sunday. "So we can do summer camp and our high adventure stuff. We can buy, supplies for our camp outs and stuff like that, but it's a way for us to give back to the community while also giving to ourselves."

Four troops were out on the streets around town, on Sunday, in Bend, for Christmas tree pick-up and recycling. They consisted of: Troop 21, Troop 23, Troop 25 and Troop 18.

Charter Organization Representative, Frederick Schroeder said, "I think the most trees Troop 18 has ever picked up in any given year is around 2,000. I think we did about 12 to 1,300 last year."

"That's just for southwest Bend, you know, with the other four troops, I would assume they're hitting similar numbers," he said. "So, you know, probably 5 to 6,000 trees a year between the four groups here in Bend."

If you want your tree picked up,  you can visit "TakeYourTree.com" to arrange your tree pick-up.

Here are the steps when it's time -- All the decorations from the Christmas tree need to be removed; the tree needs to be placed at the designated drop-off location at your apartment complex or neighborhood. 

From there, the Boy Scouts will transport and properly recycle your tree. Members of Troop 18 appreciate lending a helping hand. 

Another Troop 18 member, Dominic Wilson said, "Just to help collect some trees and, help out." I asked Wilson, 'What does it mean to be with your dad here today?' He replied, 'Just, like hanging out and just have fun.'

Parents, like Ben Hasbrouck, praise the organization for growth. 

"Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts is a great opportunity to build character and young children. I've got two children in it myself, and I've seen them grow tremendously over time."

If you missed the Christmas tree pickup, there will be more opportunities on January 4th and 5th, 2025.