Trees for Troops provides Christmas trees to Marines, families

More than 1,000 trees were donated to service members and their families during the Trees for Troops 2011 event at the San Onofre Community Center and UMA Lot 1 on Camp Pendleton Dec. 9.

Trees for Troops, which falls under the National Christmas Tree Association and Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, was established in 2005 and has provided more than 17,000 trees every year to troops and their families at military bases throughout the U.S. and overseas.

“Trees for Troops is so important because it gives civilians a tangible way to thank the military and their families for the sacrifices they make for us on a daily basis and show our support,” said Pam Helmsing, executive director for the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

The organization partners with tree growers nationwide for donations and FedEx, which delivers trees to military bases and units all over the world, said Helmsing.

“We have trees being delivered as far away as Kuwait, Spain and Bahrain,” said Helmsing. “For many, a Christmas tree is a symbol of tradition, and we want to bring a touch of home to every service member, no matter where they are in the world.”

Approximately 300 trees were available at the San Onofre Community Center, and more than 725 trees were provided at the UMA Lot 1.

To receive a tree, Marines and sailors were required only to show their military identification.

The trees were donated on a first-come, first-served basis, with ticket distribution beginning several hours before the event.

In addition to the trees, the expo featured several holiday festivities, including an appearance by Santa Claus, a Santa’s craft and hobby shop, a magician, face painting, balloon art, holiday music and prizes.

“This day has been awesome, from the games to the donated trees,” said Rebecca Creal, a military spouse who attended the event with her daughter, Alexis. “It feels great to have the community give back and show they support the military families.”

Sgt. Maj. Ramona Cook, sergeant major for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, was on hand to offer gratitude on behalf of all the service members and families present.

“With the continuous sacrifices our Marines and sailors make, it’s nice to have something special provided for us to have a wonderful holiday,” said Cook. “On behalf of Camp Pendleton, I’d like to thank Trees for Troops, FedEx, the tree growers and all the volunteers that helped make this day a success.”

The organization made history at Camp Pendleton this year by donating their 100,000th tree since the program’s inception six years ago.

Sgts. Jonathan and Jessica Felix, both with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and their two children were the lucky recipients of the 100,000th tree.

“We’d like to thank everyone that made this event so wonderful,” said Jessica Felix.

The event will continue for many years to come, said Helmsing.

“We’re ecstatic to have met this milestone, and wish for many more,” said Helmsing. “Our goal is to enhance Christmas for as many military members and their families as possible so they know America cares.”

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