Holiday tree lot fundraiser is just around the corner

Profits will support Mercer Trade Inc. and MIYFS Foundation.

By Andy Nystrom • November 19, 2025 7:30 pm

Let the tree-selling and fundraising begin.

It’s that time of the year when Mercer Island High School (MIHS) students partner with the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation and Mercer Island Presbyterian Church on the annual holiday tree lot.

On upcoming weekends from Nov. 29-Dec. 14 — or until trees sell out — MIHS international entrepreneurship class students who run their Mercer Trade Inc. business will lead the operations over at the church, located at 3605 84th Ave. SE. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The MIYFS Foundation and Mercer Trade Inc. will split the funds generated from sales at the lot, which will feature Noble, Fraser, Douglas and Nordmann trees along with mixed green wreaths and garland.

Mercer Trade Inc.’s funds will go toward enriching its program, and the foundation’s portion of sales will fund YFS’s school counselors and programs focused on food insecurity, seniors and emergency assistance, according to foundation engagement specialist Lisa Swanson and executive director Amy French.

“Even more than ever, I think we are just needing to continue to increase what we can bring forward to offer the (YFS) department as needs increase around different wellness and health needs on the Island,” French said.

About 600 trees will be available at the lot and will be delivered to the Island from Hunter Christmas Trees in Shelton. After the first batch arrives on Nov. 24, the students will step into action by sitting the trees on stands, tagging them and pricing them, Swanson said. Lending a hand at the lot will be members of the Mercer Island School District, National League of Young Men, National Charity League, Inc. and Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

“The tree lot isn’t just a great experience, it’s also a great real-life business practice for us students,” said student Miller Fosseen. “It really has been a lot of fun coming out every year and volunteering, and now even getting to be a part of the group running it.”

Added Jen McLellan, MIHS’s international entrepreneurship teacher: “The tree lot is not only a terrific opportunity to purchase a Christmas tree and support our incredible Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, but it is also a powerful learning experience for our Island students.”

Swanson said the foundation is grateful for the partnership with Mercer Trade Inc. as the two entities provide the opportunity for residents to purchase their trees on-Island.

“When they come down to get their trees, they see neighbors and friends that are working the lot and other friends and neighbors, kids who volunteer and run the lot. It’s an amazing experience for the kids,” she said.

Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted at the lot. For more information, visit the MIYFS Foundation at https://miyfs.org/get-involved/holiday-tree-lot/, and Mercer Trade Inc. at https://www.mercertradeinc.info/