WORCESTER Tree farms participating in Trees for Troops
There are five farms across Pennsylvania where you can cut down your own Christmas tree for a good cause.
One of those locations is Bustard’s Christmas Trees, which was among the first Christmas tree farms to participate in Trees For Troops (T4T) and will be on board this year on Friday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Launched by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation in 2005. the charitable arm of the National Christmas Tree Association, Trees For Troops has now provided more than 200,000 farmgrown trees, delivered via its partner FedEx, to military families at 65 military bases throughout the United States and overseas, according to a press release.
“The Trees For Troops program is about more than just delivering trees — we are delivering a piece of the Christmas spirit to our U.S. military and their families,” said Mike Ducker, president and CEO of FedEx Freight, in a release. “To be able to say we’ve helped bring more than 200,000 trees to so many of our heroes is an honor, and it shows our appreciation for the sacrifice these men and women and their families have made for our country.”
Back in 2005, Bustard’s kicked off its involvement with Trees For Troops with 50 trees. As of last year, Bustard’s had donated more than 2,600 trees to the effort.
“The generosity of our customers enables us to give so much,” noted Jay Bustard, who co-owns the 89-year-old family business with his brother Glenn and mother Virginia. “We have a special T4T FedEx truck at our original Bustard’s Road site, which attracts more and more people each year, particularly since Bustard’s Fraser fir was the official White House Christmas tree in 2015. They love to watch as the FedEx truck fills to capacity. I think 2018 will set a record. Families are seeking solace through altruism, and T4T holds particular significance for a commitment to patriotism.”
Bustard’s touts such amenities as wooden walkways “so you don’t have to slosh around in the snow or mud” and will clean your tree with a mechanical shaker to remove any debris, as well as bale your tree for easy handling
Those who are unable to attend the T4T Weekend, can still donate a tree by sending a check for $35 per tree made payable to Christmas Spirit Foundation to Bustard’s Christmas Trees, 2210 Bustard Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Checks must be received by December 4th.
In addition to farmgrown Christmas trees, Bustard’s sells handcrafted wreaths, swags, garlands and grave blankets. Christmas trees are also sold at Vernfield Village Market, 883 Main St., Vernfield. Both locations will be open through December 23rd daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit bustardschristmastrees.com or call 610-584-4058 484-300-0634. For additional information on Trees For Troops, visit christmasspiritfoundation.org
Other participating Trees For Troops farms in Pennsylvania include Geissler Tree Farms Inc., 1051 Cross Keys Road, Leesport; Kenny’s Trees, 1121 N. Bethlehem Pike, Spring House; Strathmeyer Christmas Trees, 334 Carlisle Ave.; York and Yenser’s Tree Farm, 1910 Mahoning Drive E, Lehighton.