Trees for Troops

Fox News: Growers Donate Christmas Trees to Troops---

WASHINGTON — Maryland Christmas tree farmers are combining savvy marketing with a bit of holiday cheer this year by donating some of their Christmas trees to U.S. military bases.

Seven Maryland tree farmers participated in Trees for Troops, a donation program run by the National Christmas Tree Association's charitable offshoot, The Christmas Spirit Foundation.

Trees from 15 states will be distributed to Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Campbell, Ky.; Fort Lewis, Wash., and Camp Pendleton, Calif. FedEx is picking up and delivering the plants along three routes -- East Coast, West Coast and Midwest -- by Dec. 9. A shipment of trees from Ohio tree farmers went to overseas military bases in mid-November.
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About 750 trees will be unloaded at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Dec. 6.

Michael Deveault, executive officer for Morale, Welfare and Recreation at the base, said each unit will distribute tickets to families unable to afford trees.

"It's just another thing they wouldn't have to purchase for Christmas," he said.

Another load will be picked up in North Carolina before the truck travels to South Carolina and Georgia to pick up more trees and deliver those to Fort Benning.

Ryan Furby, a FedEx spokesman, said the company has not calculated the cost of transporting the trees.

Public relations aside, Underwood said the tree donations are a way to say thanks to soldiers and their families.

"It makes them feel they're wanted and appreciated for what they're doing."

Wonderful!