York, PA – Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs deputy adjutant general-Army helped kick off the 2023 Trees for Troops donation weekend at Strathmeyer Christmas Trees in York, encouraging Pennsylvanians to donate Christmas trees to active-duty military and their families.
"As you search for a tree to decorate your home for the holidays, we hope you'll remember Pennsylvania's servicemen and women by donating a Christmas tree to brighten their holidays," said Redding. "This weekend, we invite you share your gratitude to members of the military and their families and spread the holiday spirit by donating a tree through Trees for Troops."
Trees for Troops is a national program that provides free, farm-grown Christmas trees and personal greetings to armed forces members and their families each holiday season through donations, sponsorships, grants, and the work of volunteers. Since 2005, Trees for Troops has provided more than 293,392 Christmas trees to military families and troops in the United States and overseas.
Tree shoppers can participate in the program by visiting one of four Pennsylvania locations December 1-3, 2023, or by visiting their websites to donate online:
334 Carlisle Avenue, York, PA 17404
1910 Mahoning Dr. East, Lehighton, PA 18235
2210 Bustard Rd., Landsdale PA 19446
1121 Bethlehem Pike, Spring House, PA 19477
"Most active-duty military members are serving far from home and could use a little holiday cheer. Donating a Christmas tree to these families sends the message that they are not forgotten, and their sacrifices are appreciated," said McHugh. "We are grateful for Strathmeyer and everyone who donates a tree to support the troops. Your efforts truly bring a joyful spirit to men and women in uniform all around the world."
Strathmeyer Christmas Trees is a fourth-generation family-owned Christmas tree farm cultivating fresh Christmas trees for more than 75 years. The Strathmeyer family operates the farm year-round and hosts 11 seasonal tree lots serving York and Lancaster counties. Strathmeyer Christmas Trees has partnered with Trees for Troops since its inception in 2005.
Trees for Troops program is part of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, a nonprofit branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, which represents more than 700 active member farms, 29 state and regional associations, and more than 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related supplies and services.
For more information about the Department of Agriculture's military and veterans in agriculture initiatives, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
Note: Photos and video will be available at pacast.com.
Contacts: Shannon Powers, Agriculture – 717.603.2056, shpowers@pa.gov
Angela Watson, Military and Veterans Affairs – watsona@pa.gov
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