CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — Trees piled high... a small reminder of home for those who can't be there for the holidays.
"All of us that have served, there's not a time where we haven't missed something. Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, a birthday," says veteran Kevin Long, the Commander of the Lehighton United Veterans organization.
The 'Trees for Troops' program is in its 19th year at Yensers Tree Farm near Lehighton. Starting out with humble beginnings, this year, they're loading up 250 trees for donation.
"The first year, maybe it was 50, then it's kind of really took off from there. The community involvement, it really floors us every year the people that come out," says Owner, Ryan Wentz.
The man who started it all, the retired owner, Dennis Yenser, is a Vietnam Veteran, himself.
"It's a very sad time, you know, at Christmas because you're so far away from your family and friends. and we thought this would be a way for us to help them know that we care," said Yenser.
All of these trees from the farm will end up at Fort Johnson in Louisiana... but others are shipped to troops serving overseas. It's a priority for Wentz, this third-generation tree farm owner.
"We look at it as that living symbol of Christmas that we can provide here on our farm to help show our support for every think that we do for us," he said.
A special delivery of some Christmas Spirit to brighten the holiday season.
"You'd be amazed how much a tree could mean to somebody. you know? Just to receive that tree, to know that there are people who keep you in their thoughts and prayers and appreciate what you're doing for your country," said Long.
And a special thanks for our troops...that comes topped with a bow.