PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Every year, people all around the world set up their angels, sing carols and put up Christmas trees. However, there are some families who can’t afford to have the smell of pine — or plastic — fill their homes.
Luckily, there’s a way for Hampton Roads families in need to pick up a free tree or, possibly, get it delivered to their home and — for those wanting to embody the Christmas spirit of giving — there’s ways to help.
The Christmas Tree Project, based out of Colorado Springs, is an organization that provides free Christmas trees and decorations for individuals in need. Last year, the project received around 100 requests in the Hampton Roads region, and requests for this year are already streaming in.
The organization provides a way for the community to come together. People can serve their fellow residents by donating trees, decorations, money or even volunteering to deliver a tree to a family. While not every request for a tree can always be filled, the more people available to help, the more families can experience the joy of Christmas.
It all started as a “happy accident,” said founder of The Christmas Tree Project and ValuSource CEO David Fein.
“My wife and I had a really old funky tree, and we wanted a new one, so we went to Home Depot and bought a new tree,” Fein said. “And, on the way home, she said, ‘What are we going to do with the old one?’ and I said, ‘Well, why don’t we put an ad on Craigslist?’”
From there, the pair received more than 20 responses, including a young couple with a new baby and a boy’s home. After giving their original tree to the couple, they bought a new one for the boy’s home. A nudge from friends and an article in the local newspaper led to the idea for a larger project.
It now has become the largest Christmas Tree give-away organization in the world, according to their website.
After Hurricane Helene impacted tree farms in North Carolina, those wanting to help donate a tree could opt to purchase a real one from the affected tree farms.
The National Christmas Tree Association has a tree farm locator, including farms in North Carolina, for anyone wanting to donate a tree from the farms impacted by Hurricane Helene. Although any tree, whether plastic or real, is enough to bring joy in the holiday season.
To request a tree, residents can go to the organization’s website and request one through a form available at the top of the screen. Those wanting to donate a tree, supplies or are willing to help deliver the tree to families can select the volunteer option and explain how they want to help in the form. The project organizers can then reach out with details to help coordinate efforts.
Those wanting to donate money to the efforts, whether local, national or international can do so through here.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program offers another option for requesting free trees for those who qualify in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Details on qualifications are available through their website.