Operation Christmas Tree

Hi everyone, 

My name is Tory Crowder, and my husband Jesse and I started Operation Christmas Tree in November 2020. OCT delivers Christmas trees, tree decorations, gifts, and meals to those in need in Sonoma County, CA. To date, we have scheduled 110 tree deliveries and counting.

 After a challenging year, Jesse and I were discussing what to buy each other for Christmas. If 2020 has shown us anything, it is that we need very little to be happy. Long story short, neither of us could make a Christmas list because we both felt we already had what we needed and wanted very little. 

 We both decided that as our gift to each other, we will give back to our community. After a visit to the Christmas tree farm, we both struggled with how much trees cost this year, and we were concerned about how families would afford a tree, especially in these times.

2020 has been a challenging year for all, we are all weathering the same storm, but we fully acknowledge that everyone is in different boats. Some have yachts, others have boats, some have canoes, and some have nothing. 

 Christmas brings so much joy to a home when you put up the tree! It marks the ending of a year and all that happened in that year. It's a time to celebrate, spend time with family and friends, and spread joy and happiness. It also brings sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and fear. In a year where people have been separated from their families and friends. Some without jobs or reduced hours/pay. Children have missed out on a year of fun, and celebrations have been canceled, and the list goes on.

We feel NOBODY should go without a Christmas tree!

One thing 2020 has brought is a great need. Families can't make ends meet, let alone provide a Christmas for their children. This thought breaks our hearts.

 Jesse and I decided to start Operation Christmas Tree on November 28th, 2020, and we committed to delivering Christmas trees to those in need in Sonoma County, CA. We posted on Facebook that evening and have been blown away by the response from those in need. We are deeply saddened by the number of people in need this year but are grateful for the opportunity to bring happiness into homes by delivering a Christmas tree. Some of the children we are giving to have never had a Christmas tree (queue the tears).

 We won't just deliver a tree to someone without all the fixings, and we include a stand, lights, ornaments, and toppers to those who need them. 

 The stories have captured our hearts, and it didn't stop there. We have personally sponsored families to provide gifts for their children and have a hot meal on Christmas Day. 

 We have also been fortunate enough to have many community people, even stepping up to sponsor families. This community continues to amaze us. Sonoma County is a place made up of many unsung heroes. 

 Now that we have started receiving donations and this has grown to be much bigger than we ever anticipated, I have decided to make this page to seek more help from the community to keep Operation Christmas Tree going. We will deliver trees through Christmas Eve as long as we have the demand, the trees, and the donations to do so.

 If you are looking to help bring happiness into homes this holiday season, please consider a donation. No amount is too small.

We are also looking for many volunteers to help deliver trees, wrap gifts, deliver gifts, shop for families, purchase and provide meals, sponsor families, donate supplies, and the list goes on. Please reach out through this page if you are interested in volunteering or dropping off supplies.

You can also help by sharing this page. 

We have partnered with Mark Lazzini at Marks Christmas Trees located at 2532 Santa Rosa Ave in Santa Rosa, CA, to help make this all happen. Mark and his family are lovely people. Be sure to stop by and check them out! 

Lastly, if you are in need of a Christmas tree this year or know somebody who is, please reach out through this page or on Facebook and we will respond as soon as we can.

If there are any leftover donations this year we will use them to continue to sponsor families and provide meals. We are in the process of forming a formal non-profit for this project next year and all remaining funds will go towards the 2021 project.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and brighter days ahead in 2021!

XO,

The Crowders