Another semi-random act of West Seattle holiday kindness

A source close to West Seattle Nursery wanted to share this story because, they explained, WSN owner Mark Smith is not one for horn-blowing: Mark went to the Holy Rosary Christmas Tree Lot the Monday before Christmas, two days before the lot planned to close, and found out they still had 200 trees left – perhaps because of their new, off-the-beaten-path location. He offered to take some of the trees and sell them for the school; the source says WSN sold 26 trees and wrote HR a check for $607 – full proceeds from the sale, with WSN donating the labor not only to complete the sale but to give the trees a fresh cut and tie them onto buyers’ cars. HR donates 15 percent of its tree sales to charity, so that meant about $91 for charity, too. Concluded the source: “I just wanted to let you know this because it’s another story about why West Seattle is such a great place to live … the people.”

35this35mph December 29, 2010 (8:00 pm)

Right on WSN!

Irukandji December 29, 2010 (8:19 pm)

Gracious move WSN!

Also, we bought a tree from the Holy Rosary lot. They didn’t have any 5′ trees unpacked, and it was POURING rain, so we bought one unseen and bundled. Even if it was a treetard, we would love it dearly.

The tree was the most perfectly proportioned tree we have ever had. Good tree and even now as we strip her, she’s still supple and healthy.

Good trees, kind people, great community!

Ben December 29, 2010 (8:26 pm)

I used to work for WSN.
Mark is definitely a good man.
As well as the rest of the folks who work there.
Awesome Christmas spirit you guys! Kudos and all that.

Alkira December 29, 2010 (8:27 pm)

Lovely. Will do all my plant shopping at WS Nursery from now on.

Teresa December 29, 2010 (8:31 pm)

This is such a wonderful story. We love west Seattle! I didn’t know until recently that Holy Rosary school donated 15 percent of the profits. Also, the tree lot is run by volunteers. Nice trees and helpful people.

Laurie December 29, 2010 (8:47 pm)

This is one more reason to shop at West Seattle Nursery. Healthy, gorgeous plant stock, knowledgeable and friendly service and a kind man behind it all – let’s support this business!

WestSide45 December 29, 2010 (9:27 pm)

We have always bought our trees at WSN. This strengthens our convictions. The trees cost a few bucks more than Home Depot’s trees, but you get the trunk trimmed and a stocking wrapped around the tree. Besides,who wants their money sent to Atlanta?

Scooper December 29, 2010 (10:01 pm)

My son goes to Holy Rosary School; so on behalf of my family thank you to Mark and all the staff at WSN. I love living in West Seattle.

ad December 29, 2010 (11:04 pm)

Awesome!

This year we bought our christmas tree during the first week of Dec. from Holy Rosary and within a week it was not taking in water and was dying. We don’t understand what happened! This has never happened before. When I drove by one night recently to see if I could possibly exchange it, they were closed. So we had Christmas with a brown tree. But that was ok, it was still lovely!

Cb December 30, 2010 (6:19 am)

I love our community, we help one another, as good neighbors should!

moxilot December 30, 2010 (9:22 am)

Even after considering other options for reasons of personal conviction, we ended up buying a tree from Holy Rosary partly because of their charitable contribution and partly because they were open late on a day I HAD to have my tree. The folks running the lot were incredibly nice and helpful. They trimmed the trunk, wrapped the tree in netting, and carried it to our vehicle. This year’s tree has lasted beautifully and we will definitely be returning to them next season.

And good for you, Mark! We will now be visiting you this spring when we start up the garden planning!

furryfaces December 30, 2010 (11:33 am)

Thank you Mark! You are low key regarding the many ways you and the WSN staff support the community…let us list a few:
1. Providing free space for Beer In the Garden (Beveridge Place Pub pours and donates to Furry Faces Foundation)
2. Providing free space for Team West Seattle MS Bike ride ‘Beer in the Garden’
3. Providing free space for the 34th Democractic annual dinner and auction
4. Providing free space for a fundrasier for Westside Baby.

WSN Folks—you are wonderful community partners and supporters!

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