When a Christmas tree for Shipyard Park proved difficult to find this year, Melody Pacheco, assistant to the town administrator, decided to purchase one that supports as good cause.

Pacheco said she usually receives calls from a few people with a tree to donate, but this year she searched high and low without any luck. Highway Surveyor Barry Denham also looked on the town’s tax properties for a suitable spruce.

“We’ve got a couple of Snoopy trees,” said Denham.

He is speaking with the tree warden about planting some spruce trees on town property that can be used in future years.

For now, though, the town does have a tree. Pacheco purchased one from Douglas Tree Farm in Fairhaven, with proceeds going to Compassionate Care ALS and Society For Human Advancement Through Rehabilitation Engineering.

“It’s not huge, but it will certainly do the purpose,” said Pacheco. “In the meantime, we gave to a good source. Everything happens for a reason.”

The annual tree lighting, complete with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, is Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Shipyard Park.