A Note from Greg N. Smith, 7 G's Farm Co-Owner
& State Coordinator, Trees for Troops

"I often hear people say “Please support our troops.” And I’m sure there are many people who wonder just how to do that. Well, here is one specific, direct way that your readers can support our troops and their families.

"It’s called the Trees for Troops program. Run by the nonprofit Christmas SPIRIT Foundation along with corporate partner FedEx Corp., the program has delivered more than 50,000 Real Christmas Trees to military families across the nation and around the world in the past four years. My Christmas tree the 7 G’s Farm has supported this effort by donating trees, collecting donations / sponsors and coordinating the state of Georgia’s efforts for the Ga. Christmas Tree Growers Association.
 

"This year, Trees for Troops celebrates its fifth year and offers a new way for others to support these efforts. CSF is recruiting volunteers to coordinate locally-hosted fundraising events during Veteran’s Day week. These grassroots events, called “TweetUp4Troops,” are a great way to show support for veterans, raise money for Trees for Troops and have fun! Whether you host a party for friends, organize a car wash or trivia night or sell raffle tickets, all contributions go to support Trees for Troops and military families. To get involved by hosting an event in your area, sign up before Oct. 23 at www.TweetUp4Troops.org.

"In addition, readers can show their support by visiting a participating Christmas Tree farm or lot to purchase a Real Tree for a military family. This year, 45 farms and lots will be offering this opportunity – visit www.treesfortroops.org to find a location near you or to make a donation directly to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation. When you visit the site, don’t forget to leave a message for the troops!

"This year the Georgia Christmas Tree Growers Association is trying to provide trees for their own National Guard units that have been deployed as well as regular army units out of Forts Stewart, Gordon and Benning.

"Next time someone says, 'You should support our troops' – you can say, 'I just did, and won’t you join me?' Get involved and spread the Christmas spirit this holiday season through the Trees for Troops program!"

Thank you to our 2009 Trees for Troops sponsors!
 

• Alps & Epps Bridge Barbers & the Salon, Athens, GA

• Antioch UMW, Nicholson, GA

• Arbor Salon & Spa, Athens, GA

• Athens Blueprint, Athens, GA

• Beverly & Earl Griffin, Statham, GA

• Bill Dramis & Courtney Clark, Athens, GA

• Bobby & Jackie Archer, Nicholson, GA

• Booth Enterprises, Inc./Auto Parts Supply Co., Commerce & Jefferson, GA

• Boswell Electrical & Communication Supply, Athens, GA

• Bryan & Patricia Watkins, Nicholson, GA

• Cathy Wallace-Wilson, Nicholson, GA

• Charlotte & Ted Crowe, Jr, Bogart, GA

• City of Nicholson, Nicholson, GA

• Classic City Door & Hardware, Athens, GA

• Code 4 Embroidery, Commerce, GA

• Commerce Primary School, Commerce, GA

• Commerce Tobacco Shop, Commerce, GA

• Dan's Food Mart, Nicholson, GA

• Debbie Gammon, Arcade, GA

• Dr. Charles B. Burch, Jr., Athens, GA

• Dr. Samuel Thomason, Commerce, GA

• D's Convenience Center, Center, GA

• E&E Architecture, Inc, Athens, GA

• Elizabeth Williams, Nicholson, GA

• Erastus Christian Church, Ila, GA

• Eric McCree, Jefferson, GA

• Erika Goulding, Commerce, GA

• Gina & Keith Cavendar, Franklin, TN

• Gloria & David Agnew, Clarkesville, GA

• Harrisburg Volunteer Fire Department, Brockton, GA

• Hewell's Pottery, Gillsville, GA

• Hilda & Charles Hill, Commerce, GA

• Jace Greg, Midland, TX

• Janice & Steve Johnson, Commerce, GA

• Janice Adams, Commerce, GA

• Judy & Jerry Williams, Gainesville, GA

• Junior & Kay David, Center, GA

• Karen & Don Bunge, Winterville, GA

• Lat Bamba Corporation, Athens, GA

• Lester & Betty Beauchamp, Nicholson, GA

• Linda Gregg, Oxford, FL

• Little Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, GA

• Lyle & Stephanie Thompson, Nicholson, GA

• Lynn & Tim Wheeler, Nicholson, GA

• M.C. Stowe, Eastanollee, GA

• Margaret & Pam Ward, Nicholson, GA

• Marie Massey, Nicholson, GA

• Mark & Debbie Alley, Clarkesville, GA

• Melody Sayer, in memory of Bruce Sayer, Athens, GA

• Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Williamson, Commerce, GA

• North GA Insurance, Commerce, GA

• Patricia & Robert Griffith, Jefferson, GA

• Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity, University of Georgia

• Richard & Jane Cathey, Watkinsville, GA

• Roger & Tracy Cosby, Jefferson, GA

• Roy Grant, Nicholson, GA

• Rudene & William Studdard, Commerce, GA

• S. Sgt. Eric Scott, Athens, GA

• Sander's Furniture, Commerce, GA

• Scott & Sandra Evans, Baldwin, GA

• Sealy's Deer Processing, Brockton, GA

• Stewart & Jennifer Bloodworth, Greenville, SC

• Taqueria Del Sol, Athens, GA

• Team Squares, Nicholson, GA

• Tim & Lynda Garrett, Nicholson, GA

• Vera & Mike Wood, Nicholson, GA

• Vicky & Ronnie Evans, Jefferson, GA

• Wanda & Grover Oliver III, Jefferson, GA

updated on 04/26/2010