Tis the season for giving, and FedEx is spreading holiday cheer by partnering with the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation to bring joy to military families across the United States. This year marks a significant milestone for the Trees for Troops program, which has brightened the holiday season for countless service members and their families. Over the past two decades, the program has delivered more than 300,000 Christmas trees to military bases, an extraordinary achievement that highlights the spirit of generosity and appreciation for our troops.
“We are proud to support the work of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, helping to deliver the joy of the holiday season to our men and women in uniform and their families,” said Marvin Hill, a veteran and FedEx Human Resources Project Advisor. Hill shared a personal story of how the program impacted his own life, recalling a time when he had just returned from serving in Iraq. “When I was on active duty, I had just returned home from serving in Iraq and was reassigned to serve in Tampa. Although all of our belongings were on a moving truck to our new home, we were elated to receive the gift of a tree. It made Tampa feel more like home during the holidays.”
This year alone, more than 15,000 Christmas trees will be delivered to 93 military bases across the country. These trees are generously donated by tree farms and garden centers, symbolizing the collaborative effort of communities to show their appreciation for military families. FedEx, leveraging its extensive global transportation network, has been instrumental in ensuring these trees reach their destinations. Since the program’s inception in 2005, FedEx drivers have collectively logged over a million miles delivering these trees, embodying the true spirit of giving.
The Trees for Troops program had humble beginnings. “This program started on a crazy idea and started small. We delivered 4,300 trees to only five bases that first year, one of which was Fort Campbell,” shared Wendy Richardson, Chair of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation Board of Trustees. “It’s hard to believe we’ve now exceeded 300,000 total trees, and we’re in the 20th consecutive year.” The growth of the program underscores its profound impact and the enduring gratitude felt by military families who receive these tokens of holiday joy.
The process of delivering these trees began on December 2, with each tree carefully tagged with handwritten messages of gratitude and seasonal well-wishes. The effort reached a heartwarming peak on December 7, when military families at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, gathered to receive their trees. The event featured a special ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the program, providing an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the holiday spirit.
The Trees for Troops program is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. By bringing together the dedication of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the generosity of tree farms and garden centers, and the logistical expertise of FedEx, the initiative continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve our country. As the program enters its third decade, it serves as a shining example of how the holiday spirit can unite us in expressing gratitude and spreading joy.