Trees for Troops

Christmas Day is fast approaching and a tree is called for. Anthony’s Christmas Trees and Wreaths in Santa Barbara has teamed with the organization Trees for Troops to spread cheer to military families.

Anthony’s has been bringing joy to local families for 56 years. For the last three, they have been participating in Trees for Troops, which distributes real trees to military families. “They’re offering their lives and the families are without their spouse, dad or mother,” said Anthony Dal Bello, founder of Anthony’s. “And this is one small way to say thank you to them.” He added, “A real tree says a merry, merry Christmas.”

The trees are delivered to military bases and camps, with around 41 tree lots nationally that participate. The trees are delivered by national sponsor Fed Ex. They can still be purchased through today, December 7; the last truck leaves tomorrow.

When people could not afford the full price of a tree, Anthony’s has been accepting monetary donations and then combining them to purchase a tree. Santa Barbarans this year have sent 153 trees, a 15 to 20 percent increase compard to last year, said Dal Bello. Asked about the most popular tree purchased for Trees for Troops, Dal Bello responded, “A Noble Fir for a noble cause.”

Anthony’s Christmas Trees and Wreaths can be found at Earl Warren Showgrounds and will remain open until Christmas Eve.