Nov 15, 2007 5:20 pm US/Eastern
Trees For Troops Will Brighten Holiday For Many
by Karen Anderson
BETHLEHEM, N.H. (WBZ) ―
This Christmas is going to be a little brighter for our troops and their families thanks to tree farmers from across the country.
They're sending thousands of Christmas trees to bases here and overseas.
One of the organizers of the effort is in New Hampshire, and he's getting plenty of help.
"It makes me feel good that we are helping people that can't spend Christmas with their families," one youngster said yesterday.
The plan is to raise money to send trees to our troops and their families for Christmas.
"It makes us feel all happy inside because we are going to be helping people that helped us a lot," another young person said.
"We're doing a read-a-thon to raise money to buy trees to send to Iraq for the people in the war," said another.
"It makes me feel really good because you can help them out when they're less fortunate and they're fighting for us,"
yet another said.
The kids are working with The Rocks Estate tree farm in Bethlehem, whose director helps organize the nationwide program.
"When it was suggested to me that we could actually provide something for Christmas that we are used to, and things tree farmers could do," said Nigel Manley, "it seemed like the best idea I've heard in a long time."
"I have family fighting in the war too, so it's good thinking you're helping them out also," eighth-grader Emma Cook said.
When the program started three years ago, they sent 4,600 trees. This year the goal is 17,000.
"It just gives you a sense that someone is supporting you and you're there for a reason," said Master Sgt. Brian Thompson of the New Hampshire Air National Guard.
"I think it's great, because a lot of veterans from the past wars didn't get this treatment," added Ret. Sgt. Al MacBain of the Army National Guard.
The trees will be delivered to bases in the United States and overseas by Christmas.
You can send a tree to the troops with a $25 donation.
Do it online at:
www.therocksestate.com or
www.christmasspiritfoundation.org.
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