Bend family on mission: Provide free Christmas trees

A Bend woman and her family have a mission, to deliver a free decorated Christmas tree to those with physical disabilities and limited means for the Holidays.

The inspiration for theChristmas Tree Project of Bendcame from wanting to help those with ALS, (Lou Gehrig’s Disease),and others with physical disabilities after having lost her husband to ALS in February of this year.

“I was so overwhelmed and distracted caring for my husband that even the thought of trimming a tree and putting up decorations was just unbearable,” shares Bend resident, Lindsay Greco. “Without a Christmas tree, the holidays just felt like any other time of the year. I realize now that I missed sharing some precious Holiday memories with my husband before his passing.”

Soon, the idea expanded toalso helping those who may just not have the means to buy and decorate a Christmas treefor their families.

“Our first company sponsor, B and B Autoworks in Redmond has agreed to donate the first Christmas tree and is willing to receive donationson our behalf. They’re located right on 97, so it makes it easy for people to drop off items,” shares Lindsay.

“We need to get the word out to families and businesses that we are beginning to receive donations now and will soon be in need of additional storage, and trucks to transport the trees. We need everything from, lights and ornaments to tree stands and of course trees. We are happy to receive both artificial and live trees. We’ll find happy homes for all of them.”

“Families can visit our website and complete a request form to receive a Christmas tree; www.christmastreeprojectofbend.org along with anyone who wants to help,” shares Lindsay. “There is power in numbers. To make this project a success, we will need all the help we can get. “

“I learned that another successful project is underway by a family in Colorado Springs, CO with hundreds of Christmas trees donated to families in need-(http://www.thechristmastreeproject.org/). The response there has been tremendous. They’ve provided great advice and I feel confident that with the necessary support here, we’ll have a great first year,” remarked Lindsay.

“I just want to wake up Christmas morning knowing that we made a small difference in the lives of some Bend families who deserve to enjoy a Christmas tree over the holidays.”