Boy Scout Troop 444 Hosts Pancake Breakfast, Tree Sale

By David Baker

For the past four years, Menifee Boy Scout Troop 444 has heralded the Christmas Season with the tradition of a pancake breakfast fundraiser, with Santa Claus making a guest appearance.

This year, in order to bolster their fundraising, the Troop added a Christmas tree sale to its efforts. The boys presold Christmas trees in varying types and sizes to family and neighbors. In addition to Christmas trees, people have the option to purchase real pine garland, wreaths, or swag.

People who placed advance orders came to pick up their decorations and trees today at the Rural Center at 31850 Haun Road in Menifee.

The pancake breakfast was served from 8-11 a.m. In addition to breakfast, there were several display boards showing pictures of troop activities throughout the years, with information on how to sign up.

At about 10:30 a.m., the rain began forcing the boys holding the signs on the side of the road to retreat indoors. Several older boys who were in charge of distributing the Christmas trees behind the Rural Center hunkered down and huddled by the campfire in true Scout Spirit.

Santa Claus even took some time to pose for photos with some of the younger siblings and hand out some candy canes before heading off to the north pole. The morning closed with a raffle of several prizes ranging from some wreaths and blankets to $25 gift cards.

In all, the event was a great success, although there were still about a dozen Christmas trees left to be sold and a handful of wreaths. The trees left are all 6- to 7-foot Grand Firs for $50. The wreaths are 24 inches in diameter and are $35. If anyone is interested, email Scoutmaster Rob Natzic at Scoutmaster@Troop444.com.