MEXICO – This is the first time Whitney Howard has sold Christmas trees. The 16-year-old sophomore at Mountain Valley High School gets chilly every now and then so to help the Mexico Police Explorers fundraiser, businessman Matt Gallant set up an old bus behind the gazebo to help warm the young volunteers.

“When I get cold and want a break, I go in,” Howard said.

Trees of all shapes, sizes and costs are lined up around the gazebo and along the edges of the triangle at the rear of the Mexico Fire Department. Colorful lights and spotlights help customers see what their perfect tree looks like.

The Christmas tree sale, which began the day after Thanksgiving, will help pay for new uniforms for the 16 members of the Explorers group as well as pay for the two-week Law Enforcement Academy training session held in Vassalboro each summer for some of them.

Police Chief Jim Theriault said the group, which was begun about a year ago by his department and parent volunteers, has a waiting list of people who want to join.

“We want to see how that number goes,” he said.

Along with Christmas trees, which were bought from a farm in Mars Hill, the Explorers also sell wreaths decorated by Renee Hodsdon, wife of another adviser for the program, Sgt. Roy Hodsdon.

Trees and wreaths are available every weekday from 4 to 8 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, through Dec. 22, or until sold out.