The program, now in its 20th year, provides real, farm-grown Christmas trees at no cost to military families across the United States and overseas. This year, Fort Bragg distributed more than 600 donated trees to soldiers in the rank of E-6 and below.
Trees for Troops has become a welcome tradition for soldiers like Sgt. Jaylin Allen. "Trees are expensive, so we're not thinking about it," Allen said. "It makes our job easier."
Volunteers worked through the rain to ensure every family received a tree.
"No matter the weather, our volunteers were like, 'We'll show up,'" said Army Specialist Lorna Nieves-Sevillano. "We're going to make sure everybody gets their Christmas tree and see those smiling faces on their way out."
For some families, the event offered relief during an especially difficult holiday season.
"There was no way we were affording a tree this year on top of all the other stuff we had going on," said spouse Courtney Potter. "So it was super awesome to be able to pick one up from the community."
Nieves-Sevillano said programs like this can be especially meaningful for single soldiers stationed far from home.
"Holidays are a hard time sometimes for soldiers. This allows them the opportunity to bring a bit of holiday cheer and that familiar feeling of being back home."
Allen, a six-year participant, said he plans to let his children take the lead on decorating. "I'm just going to let my kids decorate it," he said. "They'll probably do some crazy stuff."
For Potter, a first-time recipient, the tree helps restore a sense of normalcy. "It's a relief, honestly. Last year we were doing a lot of moving and grooving and we didn't really get to have a tree. So this year is going to be super special for the little ones."