Published: November 16, 2010
For several years, Christmas tree growers had been providing free trees for charitable purposes. In the 1990s, some organized efforts started through which trees were given to National Guard units and other military personnel who were deployed in peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo and other regions of the world. Then, in early in 2005, the National Christmas Tree Association developed two concepts:
- Create the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation as a charitable organization to advance the spirit of Christmas year-round for kids, families and the environment.
- Develop plans for a national Trees for Troops program that could unify the individual programs of tree growers and state Christmas tree associations.
To date, the Trees for Troops program has exceeded expectations and continues to grow with the generous support from many involved. Trees for Troops have touched 50,082 military families by providing them a fresh, farm-grown Christmas tree for the holidays.
