Take a photo with Santa at the 2021 Festival of Trees fundraiser. Photo by Chad Lauritzen

LARSO News:

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) asks for your patience and understanding as they attempt their first in-person fundraiser since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Festival Of Trees fundraiser is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center, 1011 Bathtub Row.

The senior center will require attendees to have had their COVID vaccinations and wear masks. Also, temperature checks will be conducted at the door.

The senior center is implementing these COVID protocols designed to keep members safe while attempting to resume normal activities.

This year’s Festival Of Trees includes a small craft fair, a large silent auction of trees, wreaths and gifts and a raffle.

To donate a hand-made or store-bought ornament for the CommUNITY tree, drop it off at either senior center.

The “Be a Santa for a Senior” begins Monday with small requests for holiday gifts. There is no entry fee to attend the Festival Of Trees, but donations of spare change or low sodium and sugar non-perishables are requested for the senior center’s new pantry project.

The traditional photo with Santa will take place at the Nov. 13 event, however, a reservation process will be implemented this year to allow for social distancing. Masks will be required to allow this 16-year tradition to take place. Since the senior center can’t allow unvaccinated people in the facility, a special location has been set up to allow for photographs. Appointments can be made beginning 9 a.m. Monday 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,” LARSO Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen said. “We ask for patience as we attempt to raise funds for senior programs as we struggle through the pandemic.”