Tree Land also pays it forward by employing people experiencing homelessness and/or joblessness. “We do our best to make sure everyone has some food in their mouth for Christmas, and maybe some gifts for the kids,” Elliot explained.

Derrek Bunion has been working with Tree Land for just a couple weeks. He usually works as a restaurant cook, but he says he has been out of work during the pandemic.

“I spoke with Pete and he’s been helping me out ever since,” Bunion says. “It seems like the type of place [where] they really care about the people that work [here], and also the customers as well."

And despite the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic, “tree sales are booming,” Elliot said. He added that this is the first time Tree Land’s back lot has been empty.

Elliot hopes that people around Colorado will support family-owned lots as opposed to large retailers. He promises the support will be worth it. “You will get a better tree,” he says. “They’re cut a lot later in the season.”

More information on Elliot’s business, including online ordering and donations, is available here.

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