Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- On Dec. 6, Marines and soldiers living on or stationed on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., received free Christmas trees for their homes through an event held by Marine Corps Community Services.
The event, known as Trees for Troops, has been held here for the past nine years, said Jennifer Silva, marketing director with MCCS on MCLB Barstow. The event also provided families with stocking stuffers, added Silva.
“This year, we had more than 125 trees donated to us (for the service members),” said Silva. “We also had more than 1,160 toys donated to us for (stocking stuffers).”
It’s great when the community helps out the military in anyway, said Gunnery Sgt. Russell Garcia, communications chief with Headquarters Battalion on MCLB Barstow and volunteer at the event.
“I feel like it’s events like these that bring families together and bring the military (unit) closer together,” said Garcia. “Growing up, I never really had anything; when I come to events like this, I (enjoy) the chance to volunteer and help out a family or warrior when they need it. The look of appreciation and relief is what I like the most.”
For the past nine years, Trees for Troops has thanked service members by providing them a free Christmas tree. If that service member is lucky enough to be home for the holidays, they will be sure to have a tree to enjoy and put presents under, concluded Silva.