Trees for Troops Sends over 100,000 Christmas Trees to Bases

By: Bill Steckis Email

Updated: Fri 7:28 AM, Nov 30, 2012

Spruces slide into a delivery truck.

Firs are flipped into it from a band of veterans.

And pines are poured in, all in the name of spreading Christmas cheer to military bases.

"It's an excellent program because so many military families don't get a chance to go home," said Don Spilker of Spilker's Pineridge Tree Farms.

It's all part of an eight year tradition of sending Christmas trees to military bases through an organization called Trees for Troops.

"Being able to put a Christmas tree up in some of the homes, mess halls, and churches all adds to the Christmas spirit," said Spilker who heads the charge locally.

He served in the Korean Conflict and knows what it's like to be away from home during the holidays.

"We didn't have a Christmas tree, so it's nice to make sure they have one," said Spilker.

"Christmas away from your family is really tough and so to have something like this is a touch of home," said Ed Hoffman, a Vietnam veteran who volunteers every year.

Last year, Trees for Troops donated 100,000 trees to bases all over the world. This year, the organization will send 18,000 more than last year.

The organization flourishes thanks to people like Marvin Kohout, a Christmas tree grower who has donated to the cause for the past seven years.

"They are away from home and family and it's a great thing for them to celebrate Christmas no matter where in the world they are," said Kohout.

3 People from Beatrice Join Forces to Help Storm Victims