Since 2005, the Christmas Spirit Foundation - with the help of Christmas tree farms across the country - has donated hundreds of thousands of fresh cut Christmas trees to American military families. This year, eight tree farms in Georgia are collection points for tree donations.
Greg Smith with 7 G's Farm in Nicholson is the state coordinator for Trees for Troops, and he said he's hoping Georgians will donate more trees this year than ever before.
"Last year, I believe the number nationwide was about 16,000 trees picked up and delivered to active military families," Smith said. "Our state put about 500 of those on those Fed Ex trucks last year, and we hope to increase that number this year."
The trees are donated by the Christmas tree farms and by families who want to sponsor a tree for an active military family. The tree collection and sponsorship wraps up on Nov. 30, 2021, and then Fed Ex trucks pick up the donations from each state's collection points and deliver the trees to military bases all over the country.
While donations can be made on the Christmas Spirit Foundation website, Smith said he makes it a point to solicit his own donations from the local community.
"Here at my farm we go door-to-door to businesses and if customers want to participate, we offer them a sponsorship [for a tree]," Smith said. He said each $40 donation is tax deductible, since the Christmas Spirit Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Smith said a number of tree farms in Georgia participate in the program even though all of them may not be collection points for trees.
By the way, 7 G's Farm opens Saturday, Nov. 20 for the 2021 season.
