Servicemembers Help Spread Holiday Cheer At L.I. Nursery
OCEANSIDE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A special military-like operation was held on Long Island Monday designed to bring some holiday cheer to our servicemen and women overseas.
As WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, hundreds of Christmas trees and thousands of holiday decorations, gifts and menorahs were packed up and sent on their way to troops in Afghanistan.
Some service members were on hand at Dee's Nursery in Oceanside to held spread holiday cheer to Americans far from home over the holidays.
Servicemembers Help Spread Holiday Cheer At L.I. Nursery
"We just have a blast when we see things like this come from home. Reminds us that the people back home are thinking about us," one volunteer told Xirinachs. "Soldiers get depressed at the holiday time and the trees come in and stuff, aw man. They just light up."
This is the 11th year of DHL Operation Holiday Cheer, Xirinachs reported. Those who have been on the receiving end say it's always much appreciated.
"It shows support. It makes you become stronger physically and mentally," Army Lt. Natalie Romano told Xirinachs.
DHL ships the trees and other holiday items for free. Since launching Operation Holiday Cheer in 2004, DHL has sent more than 7,000 Christmas trees to troops stationed abroad.
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