In rural Indiana, Shawn and Bruce Carpenter have turned their Christmas tree plantation into a source of funding for their eight grandchildren’s education. After planting approximately 5,000 trees a decade ago, they nurtured the remaining 1,000 into beautiful 6 to 10-foot firs and pines, now ready for the holiday season. They have set up Bittersweet Farms, where shoppers can choose and cut their tree for $10 per foot, significantly less than urban prices that may soar to $100.

The Carpenters began their sales on November 30th, with their first day yielding six sales, including two trees purchased by an executive from Columbus Regional Hospital. With the potential to make around $39,000 after expenses, this venture provides a creative and heartfelt way to support their grandchildren. When the spirit of education takes root in the best way possible, THAT’S AWESOME.