LANSING - Since 2005, Michigan's Christmas tree growers have donated more than 1,000 trees each year to support the Trees for Troops program.

The Christmas trees are sent to U.S. troops half way around the world, just in time for Christmas celebration. Or, the trees are sent to a family of a U.S. troop member serving our country. The Trees For Troops program makes the Christmas vision a reality for those serving our country.

"The Michigan Christmas Tree Growers Association has been involved with this program since the 1st year it started, annually we donate between 1,000-1,300 Christmas trees," stated Marsha Gray, Member of the Association.

"Fed ex delivers the trees to our troops free of charge, about one batch of the trees goes overseas, and the other trees are delivered to 37 different military bases in the US," Gray explains.

Trees for Troops just recently launched an online buy-a-tree campaign. Just a $40 donation to the campaign will provide one farm-grown Christmas Tree to a military family with ensured delivery in time for the Holidays.

Trees for Troops has provided more than 139,000 Christmas Trees to military families and troops in the United States and overseas.