LINCOLN PARK — A community-driven Christmas tree recycling program took off this year in Lincoln Park.
So far, more than 100 Christmas trees have been recycled this year through Lincoln Park resident Jim Gramata's program, which is in its third year and benefits St. Josaphat School and church. Gramata estimates that a total of 170 trees will be recycled after Sunday's final drop-off/pick-up event.
That's way up from just seven trees the first year and 12 the second year, Gramata said.
Gramata said the program was more popular this year because he posted the events in local newsletters and on social media. It was so successful that the final event, on Sunday, is already completely full, meaning Gramata and his team of 11 volunteers can't accept anymore trees this year.
"This year it went ballistic," Gramata said. "It was pretty amazing."
The way it works is residents either register to drop off their trees at St. Josaphat Church, 2311 N. Southport Ave., or request a pick-up at home by donating $15-20 to the church, depending on the service selected. Gramata and his team then transport the recycled trees to one of the city's recycling locations, one of which is where Cannon Drive meets Fullerton Avenue.
For Gramata, the program was a "win-win" because it benefits the environment, as well as the local church and school. So far, the program has raised more than $1,200 for the church, which Gramata said is "in need of significant capital improvements."
"There's such a huge volume of trees in the city that are being thrown away unnecessarily," Gramata said, adding that trees that are thrown out end up languishing in landfills for "many, many" years, which harms the environment.
Gramata, who works as a real estate broker, is the father of three children, all of whom attend St. Josaphat School, 2245 N. Southport Ave. He's also a longtime member of St. Josaphat Church.
He said most of the folks who participated weren't affiliated with the church — they were just looking for a more convenient way to recycle their trees.
"What was really exciting was the energy and excitement and nice comments from the community," Gramata said.
Even though Gramata and his team of volunteers can't accept any more trees this year, he said he plans to offer the program again next year.
"There are alternatives [to throwing out your tree] and we are one of them. It fills a niche," he said.
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