A Tree Grows in Iraq

Christmas tree growers, of course, have a short, busy selling season. But that doesn't deter them from showing their Christmas spirit.

For the second year in a row, tree growers are donating more than 11,000 Christmas trees to U.S. troops and their families, with the help of FedEx, which is donating the shipping. Sponsored by FedEx and the Christmas Spirit Foundation -- the charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association -- Trees for Troops kicked off Nov. 14 with trees headed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar.

Trees also will be delivered to troops and their families at 20 military bases across the United States. Growers are donating most of the trees, but shoppers can join in the fun by donating online to the foundation, which is headquartered in Chesterfield, Mo.