The Flood Christmas Tree lot in Southwest Bakersfield sells out of trees weeks before Christmas every year.
It's not the premium variety of trees from Washington or the competitive prices that brings the same customers back every year. It seems the spirit of giving thrives because the lot is dedicated to giving back to the community.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from tree sales goes directly back into transitioning people out of homelessness.
Each year Flood Ministries helps 100 people get into housing, transitioning more than 1000 people out of homelessness since the ministry began.
Last year, 3 days before Christmas, Javier Soto lost his home due to a fire when a neighbor left a toaster on.
The ministry was there for him immediately after the fire providing a hotel for him, his wife and four kids.
Soto volunteers his time at the lot because it's his way of giving back.
"I owe everything to Flood Ministries because they were there for me in my time of need," said Soto.
A few months later the ministry got Soto and his family into a permanent housing.
Additionally, many families have purchased trees to be delivered to families who could not afford one for the holidays.
The lot is running low on trees, but still has several dozen left and is encouraging anyone to come by who still may need a tree this season.
The Bakersfield Flood Christmas tree lot is expected to be open through Friday and is located between the Bridge Bible Church and Bakersfield Christian high school on Stockdale Highway.
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