User:Nippy Disease/sandbox

= Trees for Troops/Christmas Spirit Foundation =

History
A 1990 a number of christmas tree growing organizations organized efforts in order to the national guard and other military units in peacekeeping everts sent to kosovo. In 2005, 15 years later, the Christmas Spirit Foundation (CFS), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as a branch of the National Christmas Tree Association. The foundation then arranged the Trees for Troops program; This united many smaller programs performed by smaller tree farmers. They then organized with Fedex. In a mere 45 days the company they delivered 4,300 to military personal. The following year the number of trees delivered tripled. In 2017 The program reached the milestone of delivering the 200,000 tree. The program continues to grow to this day.

Mission Statement
"The mission of the Christmas Spirit Foundation is to advance the Christmas Spirit for kids, families & the environment through programs & activities."

Donations
Donations are "Monetary donations are the fuel that makes the program run!" 97% goes straight into the program. 1.4% is used to fundraise. 1.6% is used on "administrative costs"

Recognitions

 * Spirit of Hope award
 * Best in America Seal of Excellence
 * Top 20 Finalist - Joining Forces Campaign
 * Halo Award - Best Local/National Integration (Silver Category)
 * Associations Advance America Awards (Summit Award & Award of Excellence)
 * Silver Anvil (Award of Excellence)

2019/2020 Officers
Chairman: Dick Darling, Darling’s Tree Farm

Vice-Chair: Harry Peckham, Memory Lane Christmas Tree Farm

Treasurer: Wendy Richardson, Richardson Christmas Trees LLC

Trustees
Steve Mannhard, Fish River Trees

Nigel Manley, The Rocks Christmas Tree Farm

Scott Lund, Santa's Woods

Jan Wentz, Yenser's Tree Farm

Kay Kargul