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Why Plant Gift Tree With The Gifted Tree 2

Beautiful Forest Scene with flowers and sun

More FAQs Answered: Why Plant a Memorial Tree with The Gifted Tree?

In my last blog I answered several frequently asked questions: How do I plant a tree as a gift?, How much does it cost to plant a celebration or memorial tree?, and Where can the tree be planted? As we have planted over 150,000 gift trees since 2013 in United States National Forests, and in 40+ countries around the world, it makes sense that more excellent and valid FAQs come up. I will answer some more of the common ones in this blog, all focused on addressing the main question of, Why plant a memorial tree with The Gifted Tree?

How do I know the Gift Tree has been Planted?

This very important question is frequently asked since we do not send pictures of each individual gift tree. The best answer is that we work with very professional and trusted planting partners around the world, ones that we have carefully vetted and have partnered with for years. We know that when we send them instructions to plant your tree, they will make sure it is done. These non-profit NGOs are some of the oldest and largest tree conservation groups in the United States and around the world who have planted millions of trees where they are needed. Our partners are focused on reforestation, giving back to the environment, creating a healthier climate, and protecting biodiversity. They pick the right species of trees to plant in the project as well as the optimal time of the year to plant them.  The trees get a head start in a nursey that is indigenous to the planting project area, before they are planted in the wild. They plant these one to two feet saplings, and then manage their care helping to ensure a healthy tree that will be around for generations.

Mountain Forest stream

Is there a Plaque on the Tree?

It would be nice if your gift tree could have a plaque with the honoree’s name attached or on a post next to it. I am sure you have visited local parks where you come across this similar sort of acknowledgement. Unfortunately, this is not practical or allowed in our tree planting projects. Your gift tree plantings are part of a large-scale reforestation project. Arborists and volunteers will walk out to the planting area, many in quite remote areas of the forest, carrying perhaps a hundred trees in a large pouch and begin planting. It would not be feasible or practical for them to also place a plaque by each tree planting. Nor is it allowed. Imagine these plaques as the tree grows in circumference. The plaque would fall off and litter the forest floor. Not the outcome that is desired. The desired outcome that is accomplished by these planting – rejuvenating forests and providing environmental and socio-economic benefits makes these projects worthwhile. And thanks to your foresight and generosity, this goal is achieved even though individual recognition at the point of planting is not.

Can I visit the tree?

While we know the general area of the tree planting, as alluded to above, we do not know the specific tree and therefore, it is not possible to visit the tree. Keep in mind that many of our projects are in remote areas and difficult, and in some cases dangerous to get to. It is not as easy as saying drive 20 miles on this road until you reach mile post so and so, park your car on the brim of the road and walk in 25 feet. It probably closer to drive your 4-wheel drive vehicle 35 miles up this fire road, hoping you don’t get stuck, and walk a mile or two through difficult terrain to reach the planting area.

That being said, The Gifted Tree does provide you with the next best alternative, a virtual visit. Each of our projects has a description available to you and the recipient, outlining the goal(s) of the project along with the species of trees to be planted. On top of that, most description provide a link to Bing earth maps so that you are able to see the general area of the tree planting on your computer to get a feel for where in the state and country the tree gift is located.

One last thing that I mentioned to tree gifters is that it is possible to visit the forest where the tree is planted. For example you can go to Pike San Isabel National Forest, Colorado, just outside of Denver. You can hike the trails in the forest, and while you won’t know exactly where your tree is planted, you will be able to smile knowing that you have contributed to this beautiful area and made a difference in the life of the recipient. Or the honoree’s family can visit that forest and close their eyes while hiking and absorb the energy and spirit of their beloved family member.

Please feel free to check out our new, visually appealing video that highlights FAQ answers in film form. Additionally, the FAQ page on our website has answers to many more questions, if you can’t wait. And one of the benefits of doing business with The Gifted Tree is that we are the company with a personal touch and many positive testimonials; you can talk to a real person to get answers if that suits you. Call our toll-free number, 800-984-2101, during business hours 9:00 – 4:00 eastern (Monday – Friday). But not on Saturday or Sunday – a lot of times on the weekends we are out planting trees in our part of the country!

Mountain Forest Panorama

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Why Plant a Gift Tree with The Gifted Tree

Beautiful mountain forest vista at sunset.

6 Key Questions Answered: Why Plant a Memorial Tree with The Gifted Tree?

The Gifted Tree has been planting memorial and celebration gift trees since 2013 and sending beautiful hand-crafted tribute cards to family and friends announcing the gift. Whether to honor a lost family member, friend, or pet, or to celebrate a life milestone event, we have planted over 150,000 trees in United States National Forests and in over 40 countries around the world. Understandably, people have questions about what we do: How does this work? How much does it cost? and Where can I plant a celebration or memorial tree? The answer to those questions and many others can be found in the FAQ section on our website. The Gifted Tree has also gotten with the times and produced a video that also provides insights and answers to those questions along with a few others.

How does it work to plant a tree as a gift?

The Gifted Tree makes it easy to plant a tree in memory of a loved one (including pets) or to honor someone who is celebrating an important event. It can be done in 3 easy steps: 1. On the order form, you will choose the tribute design, number of trees planted, and a planting location from over 80 locations in U.S. National Forests and around the world. 2. Personalize the tree planting certificate and let us know who to mail it to. Don’t stress if you don’t know what to write. We have lots of heartfelt suggestions on what to write (including those specifically for pet memorial trees). 3. We will hand create the tribute card (no automatic computer-generated certificates) and mail it to wherever you tell us. Our non-profit tree planting partners will plant your tree and look after it to ensure it is well on its way to providing a lifetime of shade and ecological benefits. If desired, we provide info on the planting project and a way to virtually view the general area of the tree planting.

Please understand that physical trees are not sent: your gift tree planting is announced by a beautiful, unique tribute card (which contains the tree planting certificate) that is mailed to the recipient. You can also choose to have the tribute card sent to you if you would like to hand deliver it yourself.

Reflecting mountain lake in autumn

How much does it cost to plant a memorial or celebration tree?

The cost of the gift will depend on the tribute option you select. There are six different tribute design options available to choose from ranging from a handmade seed paper card to a pop-up card to several framed options. There is also an animated email option which is very beneficial if you want to get it there quickly, or for international orders, or if you don’t know the mailing address of the recipient. The costs range from $19.95 for the eCard up to $69.95 for the Lucite framed option and include the planting of one tree. Multiple trees are available for a small additional charge per tree, and that additional charge per tree can be found on the order form. In any case the total number of trees you plant is noted on the tree planting certificate.

Where can I plant a memorial or celebration gift tree?

3D World Tree Map

One of the advantages of working with The Gifted Tree is that we have tree planting locations in the United States and in 40+ countries around the world to choose from. With the earth losing approximately 10 -15 billion trees per year, coupled with losing the benefits those trees provide, trees are needed everywhere. Therefore, don’t stress on where to plant your memorial or celebration tree as all our planting projects provide tremendous benefits to the earth. Our suggestion is to plant where the individual you are honoring lives or lived, vacationed, or had some sort of family connection. Wherever you decide, that location will be noted on the tree planting certificate, and project descriptions are available describing the goals of the project, the species of trees to be planted, along with the ability to take a virtual tour of most projects by viewing a Bing earth map.

There are several more questions addressed in our new, visually appealing video, and I will highlight those answers in my next blog. As previously mentioned, our FAQ page has answers to many more questions, if you can’t wait. And one of the benefits of doing business with The Gifted Tree is that we are the company with a personal touch, and you can talk to a real person to get answers if that suits you. Call our toll-free number, 800-984-2101, during business hours 9:00 – 4:00 eastern (Monday – Friday, not Saturday or Sunday). A lot of times on the weekends we are out planting trees in our part of the country!

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Plant a Tree In Memory To Help Improve Water Quality

Trees along a river helping water quality.

The Gifted Tree plants a lot of trees in memory. In fact, since we started doing so in Ireland in 2013, we have planted over 150,000 trees in United States National Forests and in projects around the world.  Most people think that we plant trees to help reforest areas after devastating forest fires. And we do so, especially in planting projects out west and in Florida. But a number of planting projects’ goals are to help improve water quality in areas in the vicinity of the planting projects as well as further down stream.

Before zeroing in on how planting trees can improve water quality, it is important to understand nature’s water flow. When it rains or snow melts, water runoff is created. The water moves over the surface of the land and is absorbed into the ground or continues on its natural course into streams, rivers, lakes, and other water tributaries. Runoff can occur on natural surfaces like soil, grass, or forest floors, as well as on impermeable surfaces like roads, rooftops, and sidewalks. Runoff can carry pollutants such as chemicals, sediments, and debris into nearby water bodies, which has a profound impact on water quality. Managing water runoff is important in urban planning, agriculture, and environmental protection to prevent issues like flooding, soil erosion, and contamination of water sources.

The planting of trees in the right location can help manage the runoff of this water, acting as a natural filter. Over time, tree loss has harmed water sources by not filtering the pollutants and sentiments that can flow into water sources after rain and snow melt. Trees can help absorb this runoff and thus play a crucial role in the water flow ecosystem.

Tree planting river side to help promote water quality.

How Do Trees Help Manage Water Runoff?

1. Canopy Interception

Trees intercept rainfall with their leaves and branches, slowing down the rate at which water reaches the ground. This reduces the volume of runoff and allows more time for water to infiltrate the soil rather than flowing directly into storm drains or water bodies.

2. Root Absorption and Infiltration

Tree roots absorb water from the soil, helping to reduce the amount of water that becomes runoff. Roots also help improve soil structure, creating channels for water to infiltrate deeper into the ground. This enhances groundwater recharge and decreases surface runoff.

3. Soil Stabilization

Tree roots bind the soil together, reducing erosion caused by runoff. By stabilizing the soil, trees prevent sediments from being washed away into nearby water bodies, which helps maintain water quality and reduce sedimentation in rivers and lakes.

4. Evapotranspiration

Trees release water back into the atmosphere through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps reduce the overall amount of water that becomes runoff, contributing to a balanced water cycle.

5. Shading and Cooling

Trees provide shade, reducing soil temperature and evaporation rates. Cooler soil temperatures and reduced evaporation mean more water is available to infiltrate the ground, decreasing runoff.

6. Reducing Impermeable Surface Impact

In urban areas, trees planted along streets and in parks can help reduce the impact of impermeable surfaces (like concrete and asphalt) by absorbing water and preventing excess runoff from these hard surfaces.
By managing water runoff, trees help mitigate flooding, reduce pollution in waterways, and promote healthier ecosystems.

The Gifted Tree’s Water Improvement Projects

The Gifted Tree has a number of planting projects around the country whose stated goal is to help stabilize soil around streams and thus help improve water quality. Several of these projects are listed below:

Oregon

This planting project is along the Willamette River Valley south of Portland.  Our memorial and celebration trees filter excess sediment, nutrients and toxins before they enter this vital water source. The trees also provide shade for streams, making them healthy environments for fish, such as Oregon’s rainbow trout, steelhead and Chinook salmon.

Pennsylvania

This The Gift Tree planting project is along the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania and it exists to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The collective goal of the planting project is to buffer the approximately 6,250 miles of Pennsylvania streams within the watershed, the main one being the Susquehanna River which delivers half of the freshwater entering the Bay.  As a result, drinking water sources are cleansed and native water habitat is improved which makes the fish and other wildlife in the area very happy.

Maryland

This Gifted Tree planting project is along the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties, Maryland. The overall goal of the project is similar to our other water improvement projects: through the planting of trees, improve the water quality of the stream water flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.

These are three examples of The Gifted Tree’s planting project whose main goal in planting memorial trees and celebration trees is to improve water quality for millions of people who reside in their watershed districts. Tree root systems play an amazing filtering role in the soil and these new plantings will help reduce the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment that exist in the Chesapeake Bay, Willamette  River, and other water sources. These are problems that affect many natural areas in the face of intensive agricultural practices and increasing human development. The reforestation effort will also aid in erosion control, flood mitigation and storm water management, and help promote population rebounds of vulnerable and threatened wildlife. Be sure to contact us with any questions you might have. Or better yet, plant memorial trees or celebration trees to show a loved one or a friend that you care, as well as to start helping improve water quality today.

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Memorial Trees – How It Works

Planting memorial Trees in the forest

Planting a memorial tree can be a beautiful and eco-friendly way (more on that later) to create a lasting tribute that honors the memory of a cherished individual. Here at The Gifted Tree, we have been planting hundreds of thousands of memorial and celebration trees for over a decade, and currently plant these gift trees in 80 locations around the world, but we still get the question, how does this work?

How Does Planting a Memorial Tree Work?

A memorial (or celebration) gift tree is a sapling tree that will be planted in the forest location of your choosing by one of our trusted nonprofit planting partners. It is important to remember that a physical tree is not delivered to the family, instead you select one of our beautiful, unique, and hand-crafted tribute cards that we send to the family announcing the memorial tree planting. Each tribute contains a tree planting certificate that is personalized and customized by you expressing your feelings, showing you care.

The Gifted Tree makes it easy to plant a memorial or celebration tree.

1. You will choose the tribute design, choosing from a handmade paper card, pop-up card, or framed options, to name a few. Then you will choose the number of trees to plant and select a planting location from over 80 locations in U.S. National Forests and around the world.

2. On the order form you will personalize the tree planting certificate and let us know who to mail it to. Don’t stress if you don’t know what to write. We have lots of heartfelt suggestions including those specifically for pet memorials. (Yes, you can plant a memorial tree in memory of a pet.)

The Gifted Tree original artwork tree planting certificate in a wood frame

Wood Frame Option

 

3. The Gifted Tree will hand create the tribute card (no automatic computer-generated certificates) and mail it to wherever you tell us. Our non-profit tree planting partners will plant your tree and look after it. If desired, we provide info on the planting project and a way to virtually view the general area of the tree planting.

All of this can be accomplished at a surprisingly reasonable price, and while planting a memorial tree in memory of a loved one, friend, colleague and even pets is a meaningful and positive way to remember and honor their life, for the reasons mentioned below, it is also a good idea for the earth as well.

Memorial Trees getting ready to be planted

Benefits of Planting a Memorial Tree

Symbol of Growth and Life: A tree symbolizes growth, strength, and life. Planting a memorial tree can be a powerful representation of the enduring legacy of your loved one.

Connection with Nature: Trees are an integral part of nature and planting one can create a lasting connection between your loved one and the natural world. It provides a serene and peaceful place for remembrance.

Sustainable Legacy: Trees contribute to the environment by producing oxygen, reducing carbon dioxide, and supporting biodiversity. Planting a tree as a memorial is a sustainable way to leave a positive impact on the planet in honor of your loved one.

Seasonal Changes: Just as seasons change, a memorial tree experiences growth and transformation. Knowing that the tree changes with the season can be a comforting and symbolic way to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring nature of memories.

Community Involvement: In some cases, planting a memorial tree can involve the community. Groups of people from the community may join together to participate in the planting, fostering a sense of unity and shared remembrance and benefits that the tree provides.

Living Tribute: Unlike traditional memorials, a tree is a living tribute that continues to grow and evolve. It provides a dynamic and evolving representation of the enduring impact your loved one had on your life.

Educational Opportunities: A memorial tree can serve as an educational tool for future generations. It can be a source of inspiration and a way to share stories about the person being remembered.

Trees Make a Powerful and Everlasting Gift: While sending flowers has been common for many as a way to memorialize an individual, our past blog provides 5 reasons why planting a tree in remembrance is superior.

In summary, planting a memorial tree can be a wonderful and sustainable way to create a tribute that honors the memory of a cherished individual and lasts for generations. It does not take a lot of effort to get it done as The Gifted Tree makes it easy to get it done. Of course, if you have questions or need personal help, we are only a phone call away. Call our toll-free number, 800-984-2101, during business hours and speak to a live person. Superb customer service awaits, as our many testimonials confirm.

Beautiful view of the Appalachia Forest where The Gifted Tree plants gift trees.

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Mental Health Trees

Women practicing yoga under a tree with mountains in the background

World Mental Health Day is Sunday, October 10, 2021. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Mental illness and its consequences come in many forms and has major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly exacerbated the negative ramifications associated with mental illness and media attention has brought this destructive problem into better focus. While there is much written about mental health and many debates on ways to improve ones’ mental health, it is pretty universally accepted that trees have a positive impact on ones’ mental health and being around trees is good for our mental health and social well-being.

I touched upon the benefits of trees during the global pandemic in a prior blog and that trees can help provide a stress relief during these uncertain times. But the benefits of the forests was well known even before COVID-19 was part of our everyday lexicon.  The Japanese even coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku. It means taking in the forest atmosphere or “forest bathing,” and the Japanese ministry encourages people to visit forests to relieve stress and improve health. Further research in the field has identified not only the well-known benefits of trees – producing the oxygen we breathe and sequestering carbon dioxide to help negate the affects of climate change – but many health benefits as well.

Trees Improve Health in Urban Areas

Being subjected to noise, pollution, and overcrowding in urban areas, individuals in cities suffer from higher rates of almost every mental health problem as compared to those who live in the country. Frederick Olmsted, who designed New York’s Central Park, and is considered the grand-master of landscape architecture, understood the importance of trees in designing his parks around the country. While open green space has value, it is the presence of trees, and its canopy cover, that really provides a stress relief for city dwellers. Trees, as he reflects, are simple and natural but “touch us so quietly that we are hardly conscious of them.” Bird's Eye view of Central Park New York City

Trees Help Reduce Stress

Spending time around trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood. While it is always beneficial to participate in active exercise, simply sitting and looking at trees has shown to reduce blood pressure as well as the stress-related hormones. Even those with a “green” view from a hospital recovery room following surgery recover faster, have shorter postoperative stays, take fewer painkillers, and have slightly fewer postsurgical complications compared to those who did not have a similar view or no view at all.

Other Ways Trees Make Us Healthier

Exposure to trees boosts our immune system which helps protect us as we fight off disease. Spending time in nature also helps us focus, stay calmer and be more patient in anxiety-producing situations. Even in children, studies show that young ones who spend time in natural outdoor environments have a reduction in attention fatigue, and those diagnosed with ADHD show a reduction in related symptoms. Finally, exposure to tree and forests helps improve sleep and leads to increased energy levels.

Even as awareness of mental health becomes more prevalent, and promoting action at an earlier stage become more common, unfortunately there are still a staggering number of lives lost to conditions associated with mental health. The Gifted Tree makes it possible to plant a tree in memory of someone whose life was lost due to mental illness. The tree planting in a U.S. National Forest or in one of 30 countries worldwide is accompanied by a beautiful, personal tribute sent to the family which will show you care and help in the grieving process. The Gifted Tree has also partnered with Hilinski’s Hope so that you can designate that the memorial tree be planted in its grove in California and Washington, and part of the proceeds is donated to this fine organization whose goal is to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, especially in students. Read the Hilinski’s Hope story here.

Lone tree next to an empty bench by a lakeAs we participate in World Mental Health Day, challenge your beliefs and possibly rethink the way you look at mental health. Support others who are going through challenging times and engage in ways to boost your mental health by finding ways to decompress and relax. Finally, find ways to give, whether it is by planting a tree in memory of someone who was lost to mental health disease or volunteering your time to an organization that works with those suffering from the seven major mental health conditions: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, Eating Disorders, Depression, PTSD, and Addiction/Substance Use Disorder. Hopefully, your actions can help bring hope to the 1 in 5 Americans living with a mental health condition.

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Plant a Gift Tree as a Unique Flower Alternative

Funeral flowers have always been the traditional bereavement gift to send when someone loses a cherished loved one. Sometimes, however, flowers are not appropriate or practical to send. As I write this during the COVID-19 pandemic, many flower shops are shut down and funeral services are extremely small if they are able to take place at all. However, now is an important time to send loved ones we’re separated from a memorable experience. Our deepest condolences go out to those affected by this crisis.

Gift trees planted in memory of a person or pet are a perfect remembrance gift and serve as an ideal alternative to sending flowers. Trees are still being planted in areas around the world where it is safe to do so or will start up again as soon as the conditions are right. The Gifted Tree plants in 30 plus countries around the world on six continents, and all of these areas are in desperate need of reforestation.

I have come up with five reasons why gift trees make unique flower alternatives which I will discuss more in depth below. I am sure there are more, but let us just focus on the five below:

Gift Trees Make a Powerful and Everlasting Tribute

Fresh flowers are beautiful and smell wonderful, but the fact of the matter is that they do only last a short period of time. Those sent from a florist are the freshest and best but will not survive much longer than a week. Furthermore, I have been at wakes and funeral services where the grieving family is inundated with flower arrangements. They have no way to transport them from the funeral home back home, nor do they have the space is their home to set them all out. Numerous times, because I am usually the last to leave, I am handed an arrangement to take simply because there is no other alternative except to throw them out.Dead Flower Arrangement

A gift tree on the other hand can last for 100 years or more and grow from a sapling to a majestic living monument.

Gift Trees have a Lower Price Point

This is not meant to be disrespectful to the floral industry as I realize there are a lot of factors that go into the price of a flower arrangement from transportation, to labor, to waste. However, it is hard to place an order for an arrangement that is less than $100, especially if one has to add in the cost of delivery. And this is not for a giant arrangement. Furthermore, if one wants to send a funeral wreath or casket spray, the cost can run much much higher. Again, all beautiful, but not necessarily within everyone’s budget.

Gift trees can create a memorable experience and at a much lower price point. Plantings with a unique certificate sent to the family start at $12.95 at The Gifted Tree, and on average run between $29 – $34.

Gift Trees are Good for the Environment

While the flower industry is certainly making inroads on the environmental front, the fact is that a lot of flowers currently are not grown locally but grown overseas. Shipping them stateside has a huge carbon footprint impact. Pesticides is another issue as the flower industry is one of the largest users of pesticides in the world. Pesticides can have both an adverse effect on workers, as they rarely have training on the safe use and handling of the chemicals, plus, the runoff of the pesticides into nearby lakes and streams pose a threat to water systems. Finally, there is the issue of waste to consider, and I am not just talking about stems that are discarded or dead flowers that are pitched. Think about the non-biodegradable foam that is used to hold the arrangements in place and the protective plastic wrap that is used.

Gift trees not only show the recipient that you care but are a gift to the world too. Simply, the environmental benefits of trees are enormous, including helping the air that we breath and the water that we drink.

Gift Trees are Practical Even Months After the Funeral

It is sad to say, but in this day and age with friends and acquaintances spread out over the globe, sometimes I do not hear of a death until weeks after the fact. I catch wind of it on social media or I finally get a phone call with the news. The funeral service has long since passed and visitation is no longer. At this point, it would not be appropriate to send flowers to the residence of the family of the deceased.

Planting a gift tree accompanied by our beautiful presentation certificates makes sense and is always appreciated even months after the service. It even makes sense to plant a tree in memory a year later, marking the year anniversary of the death. So, if you are late to the process, there is no reason to fret as the planting of a gift tree will still be appropriate and appreciated.

Gift Trees Show You Care during the Difficult Time of Bereavement

Sure, sending flowers can help during this tough time, but planting a memorial gift tree has all the above added benefits which make it the perfect alternative to flowers. As one recipient of our gift tree packaged noted: “The tree planting certificate presentation is much more than a card, it is a whole experience that provided me comfort at a time of grieving.”

Remember, speaking of creating a memorable experience, sending gift trees for happy occasions is always a perfect alternative also. If you have any doubts, check this out for the right time to send a gift tree.

From all of us at The Gifted Tree, please stay safe and healthy!

Brilliantly colored Cherry Blossom trees with Mt. Fuji in the background

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Support Our Military Kids & Help Fight Climate Change w/ our Trees for a Cause Program

Connect Personally - Benefit Globally - Support A Cause

The Gifted Tree has always helped the earth by planting trees worldwide to counteract the devastating effects of forest fires and climate change, but we have added a new wrinkle. Your gift tree will still help you connect with someone special to you and give the world a gift, too, but now you can also help support a meaningful cause.

Announcing Our Trees for a Cause Planting Program

The Gifted Tree’s Trees for a Cause charity donation program is a win-win-win partnership. Win 1 = Connect on a personal level with someone important to you and show them you care. Win 2 = By planting a tree, you are helping the earth, counteracting the devastating effects of forest fires and climate change. Win 3 = Directly help the hard work of a worthwhile cause by planting your gift tree in a charity-specific “Giving Grove,” located in a U.S. National Forest. When you choose our Trees for a Cause program, The Gifted Tree will donate 10% of the purchase price to that organization to help fund their valuable programs.

Our Military Kids Logo - Empowering Military Kids

Our Military Kids Partnership with the Gifting Tree

Our first partnership is with Our Military Kids. Their “Giving Grove” is called the Empower Tree Grove and is located in a U.S. National Forest. Since 2004, Our Military Kids has empowered military kids by funding sports, arts, and other enrichment activities when their parents are deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserves or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission.

National Guard and Reserve families sometimes have trouble accessing support services from military installations. During deployments, these families may lose income when their military member leaves a civilian job to accept a military position overseas. The loss of income and lack of resources can create gaps that are hard on families. Our Military Kids fills these gaps with a simple grant program that pays for their children’s activities.

Wheel-chair bound amputee military father helping his daughter on the playgroundWhen military members are injured in service to our country, their families face many changes. They may have to move closer to medical care or change their comfortable routines. Children must often take a back seat while parents deal with more pressing issues related to medical care, financial strains, and other adult responsibilities. Our Military Kids grants ease the financial strain on parents while giving their children the chance to participate in positive activities that will help them laugh, grow, and feel connected to the community.

The History of Our Military Kids

In early 2004, Our Military Kids started small, with a pilot program focused on a National Guard unit from Winchester, Va. The pilot program was extremely successful, and they expanded to help all deployed Reserve and National Guard families living throughout Virginia.
Air Force father holding his daughter

Calls from deploying soldiers were sometimes heartbreaking. Feeling the need to help more children cope with the challenges brought on by lengthy separations, Our Military Kids began covering families living in Maryland, the District of Columbia and, eventually, the entire United States.

In 2008, Our Military Kids expanded its program once again, this time to include children of service members and veterans from all branches of service who were severely injured in post-9/11 combat operations, and whose families were struggling to deal with financial and emotional hardships.

Today, Our Military Kids is a national organization, funded entirely by private donors, foundations and corporate sponsors. Since its inception, the group has provided more than 67,000 grants to military families across the country, allowing military kids the opportunity to participate in sports, arts and other activities while their parents are deployed or recovering from severe injuries sustained in combat. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence while their parents are recovering or serving overseas.

4-Star Rated Nonprofit Organization

While The Gifted Tree is so impressed with the mission of Our Military Kids, we are also attracted to the group’s financial acumen and transparency.  Our Military Kids has earned the highest possible 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the leading charity watchdog organization. Because of the group’s careful money management, a high percentage of donation dollars is going directly to fund kids’ grants, something that is important to The Gifted Tree and guided its decision to include the organization in our Trees for a Cause program.
Two Our Military Kids children proudly holding their grant award certificates

How Our Charity Tree Donation Program Works

If you want to plant a tree in memory of, in celebration of or in honor of someone close to you and make a difference in a child’s life, consider our Trees for a Cause option. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase price of your gift tree will be donated to the organization to directly help fund its programs, which can ease stress for military kids by paying for participation in sports, fine arts, & tutoring programs while their parents are serving their country overseas or recovering from battle wounds.

Back our charity donation program by choosing the Trees for a Cause planting location and help support Our Military Kids.

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