In the last 10 years, thousands of Christmas trees have been donated in support of the Trees for Troops program. On Monday, Farmside Acres celebrated a decade of collecting trees for the cause. Close to 800 trees were picked up by FedEx, the largest annual haul to date.
When Farmside Acres began participating in the program, Orange County had no drop-off location. Realizing this, Bob Nannini, a member of the New York State Christmas Tree Association, decided to donate space. Farmside Acres remains as the only Orange County location today.
From that first year, the program has grown as only 100 to 150 trees were collected.
“Over the past 10 years the community has really shown us they support this cause,” said Leigh Nannini, communications manager for the farm.
Leigh said she donated 20 trees and was matched by the farm. Other farmers have made donations, as well as local businesses and residents who may buy trees from Highland Engine Company, or other location, and then drop trees off at the farm. One local business purchased 40 trees from the firehouse and donated them to Trees for Troops. Another, D.A. Collins located in New Windsor, contributed 200 trees to the collection.
Leigh said an important piece is what the donors receive in return. Many have received photos from the recipients in front of their tree.
“That really means something to them,” she said. “It provides a connection.”
On Monday, community volunteers, representatives from West Point, members of the 105th Airlift Wing and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 49, as well as third graders from Cornwall Elementary School pitched in to help load mutliple FedEx trucks with trees.
FedEx then distributes the trees based on need, geographical logistics, and other variables.
This year trees will be transported to families living on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida and Naval Air Station Whiting Field near Milton, Florida.
