OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s being called a way to say Merry Christmas, and thank you to veterans for their service to our country.
The seventh annual Trees 4 Vets event in northern Oconto County is Sunday.
With about 30,000 evergreens growing on the 30-acre site in the Town of Breed, Uncle Paul’s Christmas Tree Farm has a lot of pines to offer. And for a few hours on Sunday afternoon, area veterans will be able to take one of these fir trees home.
“Folks can just come out here, go through the property, as you can see some beautiful Christmas trees behind us, pick what tree they want. If you’ve got a saw of your own, go ahead and cut down any tree you like. But if you need help, I’ve got a chainsaw, and I’ll be happy to help too,” said Steve Robillard, Vets 4 Vets in Northeast Wisconsin Vice President.
Robillard tells FOX 11 it’s a way to say thank you.
“You’ve earned it. You’re a vet, and we want to really take this opportunity to honor vets that have served.”
The event started six years ago, when the group invited a few veterans and their families to cut down a free Christmas tree. Since then, the program has grown.
“Last year, we served, and we were able to serve 35 veteran families. This year, we have 29 already, but you don’t need to make a reservation. You just come, and we’ll set you up with a Christmas tree,” said Brandy Rybak, Vets 4 Vets of Northeast Wisconsin President.
Rybak says getting veterans together is important for their well-being. And that’s not all.
“Right now, during this time, is a harder time with prices and inflation and it just gets you to get that Christmas tree taken care of, and get that off the list. Veterans and their families don’t have to worry about that expense.”
She says cutting fresh fir trees may also be therapeutic. Steve Robillard agrees.
“I know it makes a difference. I’ve never had an artificial tree and I don’t think I ever will. There’s just something about going off, and cutting down that tree, being with the family, having that camaraderie, having that family time, and being able to put up and trim that tree until the needles start falling off in January.”
The event runs Sunday, November 27, from 1-4 p.m.
Vets 4 Vets of Northeast Wisconsin is a non-profit organization based in Suring. The group is always looking for donations to help fund programs for veterans in the area.
