Volunteers from 42nd Infantry Division and 109th Airlift Wing load donated Christmas trees destined for military families nationwide
Military Volunteers Unite for 21st Annual Trees for Troops Event
On December 1, 2025, seven New York Army National Guard soldiers and airmen joined local veterans at Ellms Tree Farm in Ballston Spa to load 150 Christmas trees destined for military families across the United States. This marks the 21st consecutive year that area tree farmers have donated to the Trees for Troops program, a nationwide initiative that has delivered over 326,000 Christmas trees to military personnel since its inception in 2005. The volunteer effort represents a meaningful connection between military communities and civilian supporters during the holiday season. Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division Headquarters, based in Troy, worked alongside personnel from the Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing to ensure efficient loading of donated trees. According to Garth Ellms, owner of Ellms Family Farms, the substantial volunteer turnout makes the loading process remarkably quick and efficient. FedEx provides all transportation services free of charge throughout the country, demonstrating corporate commitment to supporting military families. The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation organizes the Trees for Troops program nationally, coordinating donations from tree farmers and logistics support from FedEx.
Deployed Units and Personal Connections to the Mission
The timing of this year’s event carries particular significance, as 550 members of the 42nd Infantry Division are currently deployed to the Middle East, while 200 airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing serve in Antarctica supporting Operation Deep Freeze and National Science Foundation research initiatives. For many volunteers, participation represents more than community service–it’s deeply personal. Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Mitchell Mihalko, a recruiter assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, first volunteered for the event in 2021. His perspective shifted dramatically during the 2022 holiday season when he found himself deployed and received a donated Christmas tree. This experience of being both giver and recipient transformed his understanding of the program’s impact. “To be on both ends of the spectrum, to see the start and the finished product, it made me feel like I had a duty to come back and to return the favor,” Mihalko explained. His story illustrates the cyclical nature of military service and support–today’s volunteers may become tomorrow’s recipients, and vice versa. The USO similarly provides year-round support to service members and their families, recognizing that morale and connection to home remain critical factors in military readiness and well-being.
Distribution Network Reaches Military Installations Statewide
Within New York State, donated trees will reach military families at several major installations during December. Fort Drum, home to the 10th Mountain Division in northern New York, will receive a significant allocation. West Point, the historic U.S. Military Academy on the Hudson River, will also benefit from the program. Additional deliveries are planned for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector facility in New York City. Beyond these New York destinations, trees from this loading event will travel to 88 other military sites across the country. The distribution system relies on FedEx’s extensive logistics network, with trees routed through regional distribution centers before final delivery to bases. This carefully coordinated effort ensures fresh-cut trees arrive in time for families to decorate and enjoy throughout the holiday season. The Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs at various installations help coordinate tree distribution to families, ensuring equitable access and smooth delivery logistics.
FedEx’s Sustained Commitment to the Program
FedEx’s role extends beyond simply providing trucks and drivers. Company employees, many of them veterans themselves, volunteer their time to participate in loading events nationwide. Mark Burby, a FedEx employee and military veteran, has volunteered for the Trees for Troops loading team five times. As the senior volunteer at this year’s event, Burby emphasized his motivation: “It’s about helping out other vets. I’m a vet and that’s what you think when you help out other vets.” This combination of corporate logistics capacity and employee volunteerism creates a powerful force multiplier for the program. Without donated transportation services, the cost of shipping thousands of trees nationwide would be prohibitive. FedEx’s commitment demonstrates how corporate social responsibility initiatives can meaningfully support military communities. The FedEx Cares program encompasses various charitable initiatives, with Trees for Troops representing one of its most visible and sustained commitments to veterans and military families.
The Significance of Holiday Support for Military Families
For military families, especially those experiencing their first deployment separation, receiving a Christmas tree provides more than decoration–it represents connection to community and a tangible reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated. Air National Guard Technical Sergeant Elizabeth Felix articulated this sentiment: “I’m happy to be here, it’s such an honor. This is great support for the troops and that’s why I’m here to give my time, supporting you guys supporting us.” Deployment during holidays creates unique emotional challenges for both service members and their families. Children miss parents, spouses manage households alone, and service members experience isolation from familiar traditions. Programs like Trees for Troops help mitigate these difficulties by bringing elements of normal holiday celebration to military installations and family housing areas. Research from Blue Star Families, an organization supporting military families, consistently shows that community connection and tangible support significantly impact military family resilience and well-being.
Tree Farming Community’s Sustained Generosity
The Ellms Family Farm’s two-decade commitment to Trees for Troops reflects broader support from the tree farming community. Across the country, Christmas tree growers donate significant portions of their inventory to the program annually. For farmers, this represents a substantial financial contribution–trees donated to military families cannot be sold at retail. Yet participation remains strong, driven by patriotism and recognition of military families’ sacrifices. The National Christmas Tree Association provides resources and coordination support for farmers interested in participating. Tree farming itself represents an important agricultural sector, particularly in northern states like New York. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, real Christmas trees are grown on approximately 15,000 farms across the United States, supporting local economies and providing seasonal employment opportunities. Programs like Trees for Troops add another dimension of community service to an already important agricultural industry.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Military Communities
As donated trees make their way to military installations over the coming week, the impact of this year’s Trees for Troops effort will become visible in decorated homes and community spaces on bases nationwide. For the volunteers who gathered at Ellms Tree Farm on December 1, the satisfaction comes from knowing they’ve contributed to something meaningful–bringing a piece of home and holiday joy to military families who sacrifice so much in service to the country. The program’s success over 21 years demonstrates the enduring bond between military and civilian communities. As long as Americans serve in uniform away from home during holidays, initiatives like Trees for Troops will continue connecting supporters with service members and their families. For organizations interested in supporting military families beyond the holiday season, numerous opportunities exist through groups like the USO, which provides year-round programming and support services. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for veteran services and community support initiatives, suggesting that programs connecting New Yorkers with military families will continue receiving attention and resources in the years ahead. The trees loaded on December 1 represent more than evergreens–they symbolize gratitude, connection, and the commitment of New Yorkers to support those who serve in uniform.
