KAHULUI - The Rotary Club of Kahului launched its annual Christmas tree fundraiser last week, and special orders for oversized trees are due Sept. 4. Orders for other trees will be taken through October.

The Rotarians sell Douglas and noble firs from Oregon that "are hand-picked for their beauty and heartiness," President Rita Barreras said.

Six- to 8-foot trees cost $65 to $80; the oversize 10- to 13-footers are $185.

The trees will be distributed Dec. 4 and 5.

To place orders, call Leslie Mullens at 280-6699 or Annalena Zanolini at 264-5860.

"We'll be supporting the (Kahului) Rotary Club again this year and will be the first in line to order and collect our trees," said Kai Pelayo, director of operations at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, which orders 20 noble firs each year. "The trees maintain their vibrant color and fragrance throughout the holiday season."

Proceeds support the Rotary Club of Kahului's community service programs that target literacy, hunger, health and water quality on Maui.

One beneficiary is the Wailuku "A" Head Start program at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center. Each Christmas, the club sponsors a "Giving Tree" party for the preschoolers with gifts, pizza, carols and Santa Claus.

Rotary International offers humanitarian and vocational services in 160 countries.