One L'Arche community branches out into Christmas tree sales

Published: 2003-12-22

PORTLAND, Ore (CNS) -- When a car pulled into the grocery store parking lot, Marilyn Petruzzelli was on it. "You want to buy a tree, don't you?" she said. "You should buy one. We like you. We need you." Some shoppers purchased a tree, some smiled and some just kept going. For 16 years Petruzzelli and other members of L'Arche, a community for adults with developmental disabilities, have sold Christmas trees to help fund their two Portland houses. The first Portland L'Arche home opened in 1987. People with disabilities -- called core members -- live in community with usually youthful assistants who do not have disabilities. Last year, L'Arche assistants and volunteers peddled 700 firs and spruces. This year, the community opened a second lot.

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