Trees For Troops Brightens Holiday Spirits

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Camp Pendleton Marines, sailors and their families received 1,000 free farm-grown Christmas trees at the San Onofre Community Center and the 16 Area Landing Zone, Dec. 3.

The event, known as Trees for Troops, was hosted by the Christmas Spirit Foundation and Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Community Services.

Trees for Troops is a program designed to deliver support and festive cheer to service members and their families during the holiday season.

Although the Christmas tree giveaway was the main feature at the event, patrons were also treated to bouncy houses, face painting, lots of gifts and a visit by Santa.

“This is fun for the entire family,” said Sgt. Alex Visarraga, helicopter line mechanic, Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 469, 3rd Marine Air Wing.

Trees for Troops, which started in 2005, has delivered more than 50,000 Christmas trees to military families at more than 50 bases across the United States and overseas.

The organization is planning to deliver a total of 15,000 trees to all military branches by the end of 2009.

For more information on Trees for Troops or future events, contact Marine Corps Community Services at (760) 725-5355.