More than 700 Wisconsin-grown Christmas trees are on their way to military families across the country this holiday season, thanks to the annual Trees for Troops program and the strong participation of growers statewide, including several from Door County.
This year’s effort once again highlighted Wisconsin as one of the top contributors in the nation. The Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA) oversaw four major collection sites, with the Stevens Point and Green Bay locations accounting for the largest contributions.
In Stevens Point, Carol and John Iczkowski helped coordinate the donation of roughly 300 trees. Crews loaded the shipments bound for Fort Riley in Kansas and NASJRB Fort Worth in Texas.
In Green Bay, the Lambeau Field collection site, led for more than 20 years by retired grower Paul Schroeder, brought together growers from across Northeast Wisconsin. Many Door County tree farms have participated at this site over the years, contributing locally grown evergreens that will be delivered to JBSA Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Additional Wisconsin collections took place in Oregon and Neenah, with trees destined for Fort McCoy and Fort Sill.
“These trees are a connection to home,” said WCTPA Executive Director Sarah Glitto. “Local farmers donated over 700 trees for troops destined for 5 different military bases in the United States” She says. For many Door County growers who donate annually, it’s a simple but heartfelt way to support service members during the holidays.
Trees for Troops is coordinated by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.
