Military families may have a happier holiday thanks to thousands of evergreen donations from Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers and the Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff this week joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 1067 Transportation Company of Lehighton, as well as FedEx volunteers and local Christmas tree growers in Carbon County to collect evergreens at Yenser's Tree Farm as part of a national effort to provide military families with real Christmas trees.

"Pennsylvania Christmas trees are some of the finest in the nation," said Secretary Wolff. "I thank our local growers for providing cheer to military families who may be away from their loved ones during Christmas. These trees will allow them to enjoy the fresh scent and holiday spirit that comes with the season."

More than 30 Pennsylvania tree farms will participate in this year's "Trees for Troops" program, sponsored by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and FedEx. Fleming's Christmas Tree Farms, Indiana County, joined Yenser's Tree Farm as a drop-off location.

More than 15,000 trees will be delivered to troops stationed in the United States and abroad. Trees from Pennsylvania will be delivered to Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Bliss, Texas.

Pennsylvania is home to over 2,000 Christmas tree farms that produce 1.7 million cut trees and contribute $13.9 million to the state's economy annually.

Video Blog: Watch the Placement of the Holiday in the Capitol Tree Online

11/30/2007