For most of us, a Christmas tree is an automatic part of the holiday season, but for some families around the state, it's a luxury they can't afford. That's where The Christmas Tree Project comes in, providing hundreds of free trees to people across the Front Range and beyond.
"Just this small thing gives so much hope and restores their faith in humanity," said Jeff Carney, who's in charge of operations for the Denver area. "It's really a blessing to both the family that’s receiving it, but also all those that are giving it."
The idea started in 2010 when a Colorado Springs couple, David and Michelle Fein, wanted to give away a fake tree they didn't need on Craigslist. They were immediately overwhelmed with responses.
Five years later, the project has given away more than a thousand trees and loads of decorations, and expanded from Colorado Springs to Denver.
"It's gone far beyond that," said Carney. "We've had some (tree requests) that have gone as far as Africa and, of course, other parts of the country. So it's been fun."
Carney recalls a recent delivery in the Denver area when a grandmother was brought to tears.
"You could just see tears streaming down her face which, of course, melted my heart, melted all of our hearts," he said. "Come to find out later, her husband had just passed away a week or two before."
There's still time to get a tree or donate to The Christmas Tree Project before Christmas.
You can call 719-799-6070 or email info@thechristmastreeproject.com for information. Click here for the organization's website.