Fairfield man collects Christmas trees to benefit Operation Hope
Paul Ruscito and his business Ruscito Resolutions will haul trees away for $20, with $5 benefiting the nonprofit.
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A Fairfield entrepreneur has found a way for people to dispose of their Christmas trees while helping those in need.
Paul Ruscito and his business Ruscito Resolutions will haul trees away for $20, with $5 benefiting Operation Hope.
The trees are taken to WeCare Denali, where they are recycled into mulch.
This is the third year Ruscito and his wife are collecting trees.
He says it has become a labor of love.
"We love giving back to the community. We are Fairfield residents our whole life. We've done 15 trees so far. It mostly comes after the new year. It feels great giving back, not having anyone be hungry, have a home," says Ruscito
Last year, Ruscito donated more than $1,000 to Operation Hope, which aided the nonprofit's outreach, food pantry and housing for the community.
Similar to other nonprofits, Operation Hope has to make the donations it receives around the holidays last through the winter.
"We still have up to 800 local households using our food pantry on a regular basis, and those people need our help. Then we've got the upkeep on our affordable housing. Without that affordable housing, these people would be homeless. With it, they're productive members of our community," says Carla Miklos, executive director of Operation Hope.
Ruscito is also collecting nonperishables, diapers and other items that people can drop off by their tree.
He is collecting trees until Jan. 16.
To schedule a pickup, call 203-767-1582.
