OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — What started as four artificial trees in the basement is now a small forest of Christmas trees given to those in financial need in the metro.
Jimmy’s Trees is one of the only organizations in the nation dedicated to refurbishing artificial trees and then getting them to families just in time for Christmas.
With only 350 days until next Christmas, the rush is on. Tim Moses and his buddy Travis Lupton are collecting hundreds of artificial trees.
“It’s been taking on a life of its own. I’m just along for the ride,” Tim said.
The ride began with four extra trees Tim discovered in his basement two Thanksgivings ago. He found a family in need and while the kids were at school, he helped their mom set it up.
“As they saw the tree they were ecstatic. As they were jumping around the nine-year-old gives his mom a hug and says, “this is our first Christmas tree ever!’” Tim recalled.
He told a few friends the story, and they started bringing him trees. In 2014, the group delivered 62. They already have hundreds for next Christmas.
“We had one person give us a donation of about 19 of these tree toppers,” Travis informed.
Tim named the fledgling organization “Jimmy’s Trees” after his brother who died on Christmas Eve at the age of nine from cerebral palsy.
The trees range from three feet to nearly 15 feet. Most of them are here because the lights don’t work anymore. But volunteers either fix them, or strip them and provide new lights, and even ornaments.
“We are just a piece in the background probably, but you are working as a piece of a bigger thing,” Travis said.
For many families, a Christmas tree is an expense they can’t afford. But Tim and his crew are changing that.
“It is a great experience when you are the guy delivering that tree. It is a lot of fun and at moments it’s pretty humbling,” Tim said.
For more information about Jimmy’s Trees, click on this link.
