Wahmhoff Farms in Gobles is preparing to load up hundreds of Christmas trees this month so they can be sent to military personnel as part of the Trees for Troops program.
The farm’s Betsy Wahmhoff-Perales tells us they’ve been part of the national Trees for the Troops program since 2006.
How much of a difference has it made?
“I know a few years ago, and I don’t know just which year without looking in the records, we reached the 200,000 mark for trees — not Wahmhoff Farms, but the program — and this year, they’re going to reach 300,000 trees,” Wahmhoff-Perales said.
Wahmhoff-Perales says volunteers come out to the farm on loading day to put the trees into Fed Ex trucks so they can be shipped out to military bases across the country. This year, they’re loading up 350 trees to be sent to bases in Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.
She says it’s a great feeling to send some cheer to a military family.
“This is an amazing program and it blesses the families, and the world is a very messy place. Christmas and Christmas trees and all of the magic involved in the holiday, it can bring a little bit of light into dark spaces. So, it’s a good thing and we love being part of it.”
Wahmhoff-Perales says everyone’s invited to stop by the farm on loading day to help out. They often get as many as 100 people to help. They usually include dignitaries like state lawmakers.
Loading day this year is November 27 starting at 10 a.m. Those who want to help are advised to arrive between 9:30 and 9:45.
