LANSDALE, PA — At Bustard’s Christmas Trees in Montgomery County, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Brig. Gen. Mark A. Goodwill joined servicemen and volunteers this week to encourage Pennsylvanians to give back this holiday season by donating fresh-cut Christmas trees to support the ‘Trees for Troops’ initiative. This program, a testament to community spirit and gratitude, ensures military families have a memorable holiday season, even while facing challenges posed by separation or deployment.
“As you shop for a fresh-cut Pennsylvania tree this season, we hope you’ll remember Pennsylvania’s servicemen and women and donate a tree for their family celebrations,” said Secretary Redding during the event. “This weekend, we invite you to show gratitude to servicemembers and their families by making their holidays brighter.”
The ‘Trees for Troops’ program, operated by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, has brought joy to military families since its inception in 2005. Each year, it delivers farm-grown trees and personalized greetings to service members and their loved ones through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. To date, it has provided more than 309,644 Christmas trees to troops stationed in the U.S. and overseas.
A Symbol of Home and Tradition
For the thousands of Pennsylvania service members deployed worldwide or stationed stateside, this initiative represents more than just a tree—it serves as a vital connection to family traditions and home. Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), emphasized the emotional significance of this gesture.
“A Christmas tree is more than a symbol of the holidays; it’s a way to spread cheer and invoke the holiday spirit,” said Brig. Gen. Pippy. “With thousands of Pennsylvania service members deployed throughout the world and stateside, this gesture of giving is exactly what they need to stay connected to family, tradition, and home during the holidays.”
Trees can be donated at one of four dedicated locations in Pennsylvania, including
- Bustard’s Christmas Trees located at 2210 Bustard Rd. in Lansdale,
- Strathmeyer Christmas Trees located at 334 Carlisle Avenue in York,
- Yenser’s Tree Farm located at 1910 Mahoning Dr. East, in Lehighton, and
- Kenny’s Christmas Trees located at 1121 Bethlehem Pike in Spring House.
The program invites shoppers to purchase and donate trees through Monday, December 9, ensuring their contributions reach the military community in time for the holidays.
Bustard’s Christmas Trees at the Heart of the Effort
Bustard’s Christmas Trees, a family-operated business since 1929, has been a key partner in this initiative. Renowned for the quality and excellence of their trees and greenery, the farm has earned national acclaim, including the 2024 National Christmas Tree Association’s Reserve Grand Champion award. This year, one of their trees will grace the Vice President’s Residence during the holiday season—a distinguished tradition that underscores their commitment to excellence and community service.
“We are proud to support our military and their families,” said Jay Bustard, a partner in the family business. “They are always there for us.”
The farm’s participation in ‘Trees for Troops’ aligns with its long-standing history of community involvement while spotlighting the Shapiro Administration’s broader support for the farming and military communities.
Collective Effort to Uplift
The program’s success relies heavily on the collaboration of state agencies, local businesses, and volunteers. At the Lansdale event, servicemen loaded donated trees onto delivery trucks, ensuring timely distribution to families in need. State Senator Tracy Pennycuick’s office also presented a citation recognizing the program’s positive contributions to the Commonwealth.
Through grassroots support, ‘Trees for Troops’ highlights the power of small gestures in making a meaningful difference. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Redding, reinforces the program’s impact, encouraging citizens to extend kindness and gratitude throughout the holiday season.
“A farm-grown Christmas tree is a symbol of love and hope,” Redding noted. “This program connects our agricultural community to the sacrifices and strength of our military families, creating a bridge of support and warmth during this special season.”
A Season of Giving
The ‘Trees for Troops’ initiative exemplifies collective generosity and the profound impact of local efforts in brightening lives. By fostering connections between Pennsylvania’s agricultural community and military families, the program underscores the state’s commitment to nurturing shared values of compassion, gratitude, and tradition. For servicemen and their loved ones, the gift of a Christmas tree is a powerful reminder that they remain in the hearts of their fellow Americans, even across great distances.
With the collaboration of Bustard’s Christmas Trees and other partners, Pennsylvania continues to lead by example in cultivating a deeper sense of community and holiday cheer.
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