MEXICO – The Police Explorers’ first Christmas tree sale was so successful that the 16 young people involved decided to give their last remaining trees, when they knew they could sell them, to the Congregational Church.

The church, said Sgt. Roy Hodsdon, one of the group’s advisors, will give nearly 20 trees to area people who can’t afford a Christmas tree this year.

One tree will go to a needy family the young people know about in Mexico.

“I went to a (police) complaint this weekend and this family didn’t have any money,” Hodsdon said. The young people decided to donate a tree. The sale of more than 100 trees from a tree farm in Aroostook County was more popular and successful than the group believed it could be, Hodsdon said.

About $1,300 was raised, a figure that insures that the Police Explorers will have new uniforms. Remaining money will go toward week-long training for those who wish to go to the Law Enforcement Explorers Academy in Vassalboro next summer.

Other fundraisers will be used to earn enough money to send any member who wants to go to the academy, Hodsdon said. A week costs $250.

He said the fire department, the town office and the community were supportive of the young people’s efforts.

“Greg at Maddy’s brought them lunch and hot chocolate,” Hodsdon said.

The group will conduct a Christmas tree sale next year, too. This time, they’ll order more trees.