Military Support Organization Reaches for Christmas Miracle

WESTMINSTER, Md., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the last two years,
James Ward and his family have sent a bit of Christmas cheer to deployed
American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan through Operation Christmas
Tree, but this year that could change.   Last year they sent 5,000 live
Christmas trees.  Now a goal of 2,000 may be out of reach, even with the
efforts of fellow military support organization Soldiers' Angels, which
contributed $2,000 to the cause yesterday.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091104/DC05054 )

In years past, the spirits of soldiers deployed during the Holidays have been
buoyed by an extraordinary gift--a live Christmas tree complete with tiny
ornaments and lights from Operation Christmas Tree.  One soldier wrote, "I
couldn't believe what I found in that little box.  Wow. And it even smells a
little like a Christmas tree!"  Another exclaimed, "I am so moved and filled
with joy.  Thank you multiplied by a billion isn't enough for this simple act
of kindness."

The recession has hit Operation Christmas Tree hard, with only five percent of
the donations coming in that they've had in the past.  "If we can't bring in
more, there will be no trees going out this year," reports Ward, with a catch
in his voice.  "But I have faith that Americans will come though once again. 
Last year we got our last $10,000 needed on the day we packed the trees!"

Soldiers' Angels is calling on other organizations, companies and individuals
to make sure that once again this year, deployed servicemen and women will
have the experience of opening up a box in the sands of Iraq or the mountains
of Afghanistan and finding a piece of Christmas inside.  Says founder Patti
Patton-Bader, "When our heroes are serving in dangerous places far from home
on our behalf at Christmas, we owe them so much.  A piece of home like this is
a treasure."  

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit
providing aid and comfort to the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force
and Coast Guard, veterans and military families. For more info, see
www.soldiersangels.org or call (615) 676-0239. Tax ID# 20-0583415 

Operation Christmas Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a singular mission:
sending live Christmas Trees to the deployed "until our troops are home."  For
more info, see www.operationchristmastree.com or call 410-984-7300. Tax ID#
84-1722360