Cary family finds the perfect Christmas tree

When it comes to selecting the perfect Christmas tree, the Dombrowski family applies the same philosophy that many brides use when they pick out a wedding dress.

"You can't ever pick the first one," said Mary Dombrowski of Cary. "You've got to look around."

Mary, her husband Scott and their son Scott Jr., 15, found their tree Saturday afternoon at the Algonquin Township Office in Crystal Lake, where the Cary-Grove Jaycees are selling trees for charity.

Mary and Scott Jr. brought the trees out for display while the elder Scott evaluated their choices from his wheelchair.

"No, that one's got a weird shape to it," the elder Scott said of one tree.

In the end, the family chose the second tree they'd seen, but only after rejecting three others.

"I like the shape, the height and how the top looks," the elder Scott said.

It was unusual that the family managed to find their tree in just a few minutes.

Usually, the Dombrowskis look through a dozen trees before deciding which one comes home with them.

A tradition for nearly 40 years, the Cary-Grove Jaycees tree sales is a major fundraiser.

Saturday marked the first day of business, and things were moving at a snail's pace, said Jason Williams, co-chairman of the Cary-Grove Jaycees.

Although the group only sold 15 trees Saturday, he expected business to pick up Sunday.

The Jaycees also expect to start selling 100 trees a day next weekend.

All of the money raised from the sales goes toward funding activities in Cary, Fox River Grove and Oakwood Hills.

The Jaycees will continue selling trees through Dec. 20.

Trees, starting at $35, are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays at the Algonquin Township Office, 3702 US Hwy. 14.