CHRISTMAS TREES GIVE HOPE TO MILITARY FAMILIES

For many soldiers and their loved ones, the holidays can be difficult, both emotionally and financially. But thanks to the Trees for Troops program, hundreds of their homes and hearts are filled with Christmas cheer every year

- KELLIE B. GORMLY

AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHED, Amber Keller-a Navy wife with five children, ages 8 to 16-wanted to feel the spirit of the holiday. But with her husband, Lt. Timon Keller, deployed, she was having a hard time tapping into that joy.

Having moved between several bases, she didn't have family or friends to celebrate with. How can I make things magical for the kids when their dad isn't here with us? Amber wondered.

The answer came in the form of a real, live Christmas tree, a gift from the Christmas Spirit Foundation's Trees for Troops program.

As she and her kids decorated the tree, the rich pine scent filling their home, Amber's heart overflowed with love and gratitude.

A joyful mission

In 2005, Pam Helmsing, then director of the National Christmas Tree Association, was talking with other members, marveling over stories they had heard of bighearted Christmas tree growers, who, each season, would give away trees to folks who were struggling.

"Why don't we do something like that? We're all about Christmas trees and cheer!" Pam offered. The members loved the idea, and the nonprofit Christmas Spirit Foundation (ChristmasSpirit Foundation.org), was born, with the group deciding to make a Christmas tree giveaway its focal project. As the members batted around possible recipients, one idea got unanimous support: Trees for Troops.