Growers branch out to send troop-trees

This holiday season, a national organization is expected to collect and deliver 17,000 real Christmas trees to soldiers and their families.

Thanks to the appropriately named Chip Ellms, owner of Ellms Christmas Trees of Ballston Spa, New York State will be well represented in that effort.

In late November, 800 live Christmas trees were delivered to his tree farm in Ballston Spa by growers throughout the state.

Branching out

Among those donating trees were Thomas and Patricia Herba, parishioners of St. Joseph's Church in Broadalbin. They operate Herbas' Acres Tree Farm in Perth.

Mr. Herba thinks the Trees for Troops effort is a fine way to let enlisted personnel and their families know that others are holding them in their hearts this Christmas season.

"I thought it would be a great way to celebrate the holidays," he said. "I donated five Fraser fir trees, which have a real good needle retention. The Frasers are good for four to five weeks, so there's no problem with them being fresh."

Not stumped

"The servicemen and women and their families deserve to have a memorable Christmas, just like the rest of us," Mr. Herba continued. "They sacrifice a lot; and, in this small way, we can make their holidays a bit warmer and brighter.

"I'll continue to donate my trees every year, as long as they are needed. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's all pray for peace."

Sprouting program

This is the third year that the Christmas Tree Growers Association has held the Trees for Troops drive.

According to their website, www.treesfortroops.org, more than 750 tree farmers in 29 states participate in the effort. Mr. Ellms said the number of donated trees keeps going up.

"The trees are given to families that have had a member overseas or who will soon be deployed overseas," Mr. Ellms said.

Evergreen idea

"Our military personnel and their families have been providing a real service to our country," Mr. Ellms said. "They have made many sacrifices for all of us. With this effort, we hope to support our troops and thank them for their sacrifice.

"We know how much it means to any family to have a live Christmas tree. We hope to give them an opportunity to experience the feel and smell of a live tree, hopefully bringing back happy memories of home and family.

"It will certainly let them know that people back home are thinking of them and supporting them in their efforts."

(For information on Trees for Troops, go to www.ellmstrees.com. Mr. Ellms can be reached at 441-4445.)

(12/20/07) [[In-content Ad]]