What does growing a beautiful lawn and garden space have to do with the holiday season and U.S. troops? Much more than you might think, thanks to a seasonal fundraiser from Project EverGreen and The National Christmas Tree Association’s Christmas SPIRIT Foundation.

When the military deploys troops overseas, many families are left with one parent to take care of all the household tasks without a lot of financial resources. Project EverGreen’s “GreenCare for Troops” program coordinates free landscaping services for such families throughout the year. In the same vein, the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation’s “Trees for Troops” program will provide Christmas trees to about 15,000 military families this year.

Even in normal circumstances, keeping on top of yard work can be challenging. Families who are thrown into the emotional trauma and day-to-day challenges brought by an overseas military deployment need all the support you can provide. Meeting their needs in such a practical, helpful way is a big encouragement, especially during the holiday season.

So what can you do? Minnesota-based Project EverGreen now offers a free holiday gift with any $25 or more donation to GreenCare for Troops/Trees for Troops. Local band Little Chicago, of which Project EverGreen’s executive director is a member, created a Christmas CD full of family favorites including “Sleigh Ride,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Silent Night.”

In addition to their work with GreenCare for Troops, Project EverGreen’s goal throughout the year is to encourage everyone in the pursuit of a beautiful grass lawn, or, in their own words, “to preserve and enhance green space in our communities for today and future generations.” Now that’s a mission any grass-lover can get behind!