Trees for Troops returns to post Dec. 12

By Aniesa HolmesDecember 4, 2013

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 4, 2013) -- Active-duty Soldiers and Family members can take home one of more than 800 free live Christmas trees this year, courtesy of the ninth annual Trees for Troops program.

Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Wetherby Field. Soldiers not in uniform and Family members must present proper identification.

Amanda Reitz, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinator, said the program is a collaborative effort between Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, FedEx, participating tree farms and local companies. Thousands of trees are donated and FedEx delivers the trees to more than 60 military installations in the U.S. and overseas.

"FedEx employees have also offered to volunteer time to deliver trees or hand out candy canes," she said. "Local companies will donate candy to hand out and we should have hot cocoa for people waiting in line."

Soldiers will be on site to assist carrying trees to vehicles. Because of varying trees sizes, Families are encouraged to make room in or top of their vehicles.

"People are thankful and it really gets them in the mood for the season," she said. "FedEx puts tags on trees that have been decorated by children across the country to wish Soldiers a Merry Christmas. I think that really touches the Soldiers' hearts."

For more information, call 706-545-9636 or visit www.benningmwr.com. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on Facebook at BenningFMWRfans.