School Provides Christmas Trees for Troops

ATLANTA - Being home for the holidays is not always an option for members of our military, but some local students are making sure the troops still get into the Christmas spirit.

Everybody knows you can't have Christmas without a tree. And that's exactly what some special kids want to give our troops.

Bells are ringing in the halls of Crabapple Crossing Elementary School

Every year students know that when they hear the bells, there's an opportunity to give. And this year the school is raising money so that our troops can have a special present for christmas - a tree.

"We just finished a democracy unit. We just finished a third grade musical about democracy and they just really valued what our troops have done for us and the protection they give our country," said Kathy Devine of Crabapple Crossing Elementary School.

Trees for troops has sent more than 80,000 trees to military families. Local tree growers, like Hunter's Farm in Milton, grow and provide the trees; and Fedex ships the fresh cut trees to military bases across the country and overseas. Although anyone can purchase a tree for a military family, Crabapple Crossing students have taken the task personal -even raising money on their own.

"I did a lemonade stand and we got $47 out of that," said student Arul Selbakunar.

"It makes me feel good that they're going to be able to have a Christmas tree," said student Georgia Gansbreaz.

Along with the tree, students have made cards and hand-made ornaments -- hoping to send a special message during the Christmas season.

"Dear military troops, thank you for serving our country. As a little gift for serving our country, you will get a Christmas tree. I hope you enjoy," said Selbakunar.

"Thank you for protecting our country and I hope you have a Merry Christmas," said Gansbreaz.

All the trees purchased by the students will go to camps and military bases located in the georgia area.

For more information visit http://www.hunterschristmastreefarm.com/