SIDNEY, Mich. — Michigan Christmas tree growers have teamed up to help make the holidays brighter for the nation’s military families.</p><p>
This holiday season, Trees for Troops is expected to collect and deliver about 14,000 real Christmas trees from 29 states to military families across the United States, as well as to soldiers serving overseas. Trees for Troops is a national program of the Christmas Spirit Foundation, in cooperation with the National Christmas Tree Assoc., state and regional Christmas tree associations and FedEx Freight.</p><p>
Rex Korson of Korson’s Tree Farm in Sidney, who also serves as president of the Michigan Christmas Tree Assoc., said about 15 major growers in Michigan donated 1,000 trees to the program this year.</p><p>
Other growers assisted through donations to help cover some of the costs of the effort.</p><p>
“This is our industry’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to all the men and women in our military for all the sacrifices they make on our behalf,” Korson said. “If we can provide them with a real tree to help celebrate Christmas and maybe enjoy the holiday season, that can be a little challenging when their loved ones are away, then it’s an easy thing for us to do. We really appreciate the opportunity to do that.</p><p>
“Everybody in our industry is contributing. It’s nice to have that effort industry-wide.”</p><p>
Jody Wilkes, of Happy Holiday Christmas Trees of Greenville, said his company is pleased to be assisting with the effort for a third year.</p><p>
“There are a lot of families who are missing their loved ones. They are over fighting for our freedom, and we feel it’s a good thing to do,” Wilkes said.</p><p>
Michigan Christ-mas Tree Assoc. Executive Director Marsha Gray is proud of the state’s growers for their support.</p><p>
“The Trees for Troops program provides a way for all Americans to show their appreciation for the sacrifices that U.S. troops and their families are making this holiday season,” she said.</p><p>
The trees were shipped for free by FedEx to more than 35 bases in the United States and overseas.</p><p>
“We are pleased to once again be part of this worthwhile program that will benefit the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and their families,” said Douglas G. Duncan, president and CEO of FedEx Freight. “FedEx is committed to supporting our employees and the communities in which we live and work during the holidays, and throughout the year.”</p><p>
The Trees for Troops program was first implemented in 2005 and, with the help of FedEx, delivered more than 4,300 Christmas trees to five U.S. military bases, as well as an overseas shipment to the Middle East that year.</p><p>
Last year, nearly 12,000 trees were collected and delivered to 25 military  bases.</p><p>
The collection and delivery of trees will take place through December. </p><p>
Consumers may make contributions to support the program and the Christmas Spirit Foundation at www.ChristmasSPIRITFoundation.org</p><p>
More information is also available at www.TreesforTroops.org