Little Rock, Ark. – The Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association is preparing to open its annual Christmas tree sale on Saturday, Nov. 21. The event will take place on the school’s campus at 2600 West Markham Street, providing a festive opportunity for families and community members to purchase a tree while supporting vital services for students who attend the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind.
How the sale benefits students
According to the association’s release, 100% of the funds raised will be directed to programs that enhance the educational experience of blind and deaf students. Proceeds will help fund scholarships, the Braille Challenge braille literacy competition, and Cane Quest, a white‑cane travel awareness program and competition that teaches safe navigation skills.
Additional student programs supported
The sale also supports a range of extracurricular and academic needs. Funds will be allocated to athletic team expenses for goalball, track, cheerleading, and wrestling, as well as to purchase yearbooks for graduating seniors. The association will use donations to recognize outstanding students through Student of the Month awards and to cover other essential costs that enrich campus life.
Sale hours and location
The tree lot will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On the weekend, hours shift to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers can browse a variety of fresh firs, pines, and spruces, all priced to be affordable for families looking to start their holiday celebrations.
Community involvement
Local volunteers, alumni, and parents are expected to staff the sale, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the school’s strong tradition of community partnership. The event underscores the importance of faith‑based and family‑centered support for special‑needs education, aligning with the values of many Little Rock families who prioritize caring for the most vulnerable members of their neighborhoods.
Why the sale matters
By keeping all proceeds within the school’s programs, the Alumni Association ensures that every dollar directly benefits students, rather than covering administrative overhead. This model of self‑sustaining philanthropy demonstrates how local nonprofits can effectively address the unique needs of their constituencies without relying on uncertain government funding.
Community members are encouraged to attend, purchase a tree, and consider additional donations to further strengthen the school’s mission of providing high‑quality education and life‑skills training for blind and deaf students throughout Arkansas.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
