Christmas is over and the new year is here, so the tree has to go.

Pacelli Catholic Schools students will pick up Christmas trees for the 16th year on Saturday. Residents are asked to have trees on the boulevard by 8 a.m. with all ornaments, lights and tinsel removed. Students will be by during the day to pick up the trees.

The tree pickup is a fundraiser for student activities and programs at Pacelli. Coordinator Keith Leif said they have raised a good amount of money over the last 15 years.

“I would guess we’re probably in the neighborhood of $25,000 to $30,000, within the 15 years,” he said.

The pickup started in 2001 when Leif was on the Pacelli Catholic Schools Board, and another school board member read about another school picking up trees as a fundraiser.

“None of the garbage haulers picked them up anymore, so I got nominated to run [the fundraiser] and we’ve been doing it ever since,” Leif said.

Each year has about 10 to 15 parents, along with about 25 students and eight to 12 trucks pitching in. There are about 250 to 350 trees that get picked up each year, and Leif said some years see around 500 trees. He guessed each year the school receives anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 in donations from the event.

“Thanks to everybody for their cooperation,” he said. “It’s been fun, the kids love it and we get a great response.”

Call 507-433-8859, or email smarx@pacellischools.org to have trees picked up. A free will donation is appreciated.