The Trees for Troops program at Yenser’s Tree Farm in Lehighton, by now, is synonymous with the holiday season in the local area.

The program, which ships trees to military families based in the United States and overseas, now receives donations from multiple school districts, veterans organizations, churches and businesses. But one group, Lehighton Area School District, has been involved since the early days.

Earlier this week, the Christmas Spirit Foundation Board of Trustees named LASD one of four nationwide recipients of the 2021 Trees for Troops Spirit Award.

“I think it means a little more because when this started, Shull-David and Mahoning elementary schools, where I was principal at the time, were one of the first groups to participate,” Lehighton Area Elementary Center K-2 Principal Aaron Sebelin said. “It was a smaller program at that time, and when Jan and Ryan Wentz took over the tree farm and the Trees For Troops, it just got bigger and bigger. Now, the whole district is involved, and even other districts around the area. It’s such a great, beneficial experience for the kids.”

Jan Wentz, one of the farm’s owners, said students and staff of the district have raised enough money to give 445 trees to military families in just the past three years and Lehighton’s participation in Trees for Troops spans more than a decade.

“The board of trustees appreciates and values your tree donations, creative fundraising efforts, and participation in yearly Trees for Troops programs,” she said in an email to the district.

Students and staff raise money each year and historically, $25 would purchase one tree to be sent to a military family.

Sebelin said when there were multiple elementary schools in the district, typically three students from each school would go out to the farm for the program as trees were tagged and prepped for shipping. Students would often get a tour of the house, receive goodies such as hot chocolate, and hear speakers such as county commissioners and the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture.

“The Yensers have always been very generous to the district,” Sebelin said. “Jane Yenser was a secretary at Shull-David. Jan does a great job of helping the students understand what this is really all about. It’s such a great cause and we’re proud to have been a part of it for so long.”

The Christmas Spirit Foundation has been honoring families, companies and/or individuals for their participation in the program since 2018.

“Later this spring, I would like to formally present the award during a Lehighton school board meeting,” Wentz said. “There will be a piece of art commemorating the award for each of the three schools in the district.”

Sebelin said he hopes the district’s participation in Trees for Troops will continue long into the future.

“It really gives the students a sense of pride because we’re always telling them about the importance of supporting the troops,” Sebelin said. “These trees make a lot of moms and dads who have to be away from home for the holidays happy. The kids don’t always remember all the books they read in school or all the projects they did, but they do remember these special experiences.”