13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Indiana farmers send trees to troops

Indiana farmers send trees to troops

Indianapolis - From the Fed Ex hub in Indianapolis, hundreds of Christmas trees will ship out Tuesday to troops stationed on military bases both stateside and overseas.

Monday, the trees collected at Dull's Tree Farm in Thorntown were prepared for today's transport day. Volunteers will box and load up 230 trees donated by 36 Indiana tree farmers.

Fed Ex trucks will then bring them to the Fed Ex hub where they will ship out to the Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, the Great Lakes Naval Air station in Illinois, and to the Embassy in Kuwait.

In just its fourth year, the National Trees for Troops program has grown to now send 16,000 trees to 50 military bases. The troops have sent back messages and pictures, showing how grateful they are for the trees.

"Especially when they're apart from their family, I mean, put yourself in their shoes, can you imagine being stationed on an aircraft carrier, out in the middle of the ocean, and opening up this square box and having that fresh tree aroma come out and remind you of Christmas and home and family, and that's what this is all about. Showing our appreciation for the sacrifice they're making for us," said Tom Dull, Dull's Tree Farm.

Although the shipping costs and trees are donated, it still takes money to buy the wax-lined boxes, tree stands, and to pay for inspection fees.

Also, handmade ornaments and about 1,000 Christmas cards made by local school children and Fed Ex employees are going with the boxes of trees.

Related links:

If you want to help, give to the National Christmas Tree Association's Spirit Foundation.

Trees for Troops

Dull's Tree Farm