Trees for Troops, a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, provides free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers. Christmas Tree growers have been providing free trees for military families for years.
In 2005, FedEx contacted the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, and wanted to be involved in the foundation’s mission. Together the two organizations expanded the idea of providing Christmas Trees to military families, and Trees for Troops was born. Since 2005, more than 225,319 free, farm-grown Christmas Trees have been provided to troops and military families in the United States and overseas through Trees for Troops. Thousands of trees are donated by American farm families and the public, and FedEx delivers these trees to more than 70 military bases in the U.S. and overseas. FedEx has logged more than 800,000 ground miles for the Trees for Troops program.
In 2012, Trees for Troops was honored at the White House as a top 20 national finalist in the Joining Forces Community Challenge, an initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to recognize organizations that provide exemplary service and support to military families.
In 2017, Trees for Troops was honored to win The Department of Defense - Spirit of Hope Award. Trees for Troops was nominated for the award by the U.S. Coast Guard. The award is given annually by each branch of the military to groups that epitomize Bob Hope's values of patriotism, loyalty, freedom and dedication. Winning this award was a highlight of the season.
About 800 farmers in 25 states participated last year. If you want to donate your time or money, you can learn more by visiting their website at TreesForTroops.org. The entire charity is run by nine people. But hundreds of volunteers also help make it happen!!!