The Hays Optimist Club will distribute Merriam Webster dictionaries to Ellis County sixth-graders and their teachers Wednesday and Thursday.

This is the 34th year for the giveaway according to project chairman Gary Wentling.

“During that time, 11,969 dictionaries have been given away,” Wentling said in a news release. “That equates to over $71,800 to the youth of Ellis County.”

The project is made possible from the annual sales of natural Christmas trees by the Optimist Club.

“Please stop by the Optimist Tree Lot in the Walmart parking lot, 4302 Vine, and make an investment in the youth of Ellis County by purchasing a natural Christmas tree,” added Wentling. “Help us help the future generation of this great county.”

The Optimist Christmas Tree Lot will open Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving.