AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – For 70 years, Emory Clark has made a living doing what he loves: Selling Christmas trees and helping others.
“I started when I was 14,” Clark said of his career in all things Christmas.
Even then, he knew he’d be doing it for years and years to come. His lot Storybook Christmas Trees near the Airway Heights Walmart is full of smiling customers, gorgeous trees and his signature bright red truck. He says he adores every phase of the process, especially the beginning.
“To be honest, it’s being in the mountains…experiencing the hard work,” he said.
But even better than that, is gifting that hard work to those who are going through a variety of tough times. Every year, he gives away the number of trees that’s been in business.
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell who benefits more from the kindness. Clark admits it warms his heart like nothing else to give.
“Human beings are wonderful,” he said. “We can experience joy just by watching someone else be joyful. That’s the part that sticks with me when I go to bed at night, knowing I helped a few people.”
Emory does still have a handful of trees he can give away to anyone who is in need this season. If you’d like to inquire further, you can email Emory at emoryjp@msn.com.
“I think I’ve got five good years left in me,” he said with a chuckle. “I just love everything about it.”
