Mahoney's Kicks Off Annual Trees For Troops Program

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by Mahoney's Garden Centers.)

Members of the Military and their families make many sacrifices, especially during the holidays. Starting this Veteran’s Day, November 11, show your support and appreciation to an active member and their family, by donating a Christmas tree through the Trees for Troops program.

To participate in the Trees for Troops program, in eastern Massachusetts beginning November 11, and purchase a Trees for Troops tree for $24.50. Special tree cards are available to write a note of thanks or holiday wishes to the family.

On Sunday, December 4, the event ends. Mahoney’s will collect all of the trees and notes, and prepare them for their journey. The Trees for Troops program, in coordination with FedEx, handles the rest. In December, thousands of trees from all over the United States will be delivered to families on 52 military bases, worldwide.

The simple gesture of buying a tree means much more to a military family. “It’s a sense of knowing that someone else cares,” notes Lori DeVincentis Bruschi, Marketing Director for Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Bragg Garrison in North Carolina.

“These men and women risk their lives for their country. The holidays are especially tough on the families, especially those left behind. This relieves some of the stress from the holidays,” adds Bruschi.

According to Bruschi, she recalls a previous year where the trees ran out with many families still in line. The next day, Trees for Troops performed a miracle and brought another truckload of trees. “One woman, with tears in her eyes, thanked us for getting more trees.  She was the wife of a soldier who was deployed, but would make it home for the Holidays.  The tree was a surprise for him.”

Last year, Mahoney’s trees were shipped up and down the east coast to Coast Guard Stations, a Navy Station and a National Guard Station. This year, Mahoney’s trees are planned for a similar route, including the Boston Coast Guard Station.

Since 2005, the Trees for Troops program, in coordination with FedEx, has delivered trees to over 84,000 families at over 60 bases world-wide. The special Trees for Troops trees were donated from over 40 retail locations and farms, like Mahoney’s, in 29 states.

Help Trees for Troops reach their goal of shipping their 100,000th tree by becoming part of this world-wide tradition. Mahoney’s Garden Centers contributes an additional $5 for every tree sold to the Christmas SPIRIT foundation.

 Visit any one of Mahoney’s eight Massachusetts locations in Winchester, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Falmouth, Brighton, Osterville, Concord and Wayland between November 11 and December 4 to donate a tree to the Trees for Troops program. Trees come from Mahoney’s-own tree farm in Nova Scotia. They are carefully fertilized and sheared for best shape and density, then cut at the very last moment to ensure the longest lasting tree. For more information visit www.mahoneysgarden.com or call (781) 729-5900.