December 3, 2025 — The holiday season is getting brighter in the 559 thanks to the efforts of Thanks With A Tree, a local initiative now in its 11th year. Founded in 2014 by Fresno resident Marty Martinez, the program provides Christmas trees to active-duty military families in the Central Valley as a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation for their service.
Over the past decade, Thanks With A Tree has delivered more than 1,850 Christmas trees to families of the Army Reserve, Air National Guard, Marine Corps, and other local units. This year, organizers hope to provide over 400 trees before the holiday season arrives.
“This is our way of saying thank you to those who serve our country,” said Martinez. “These families make sacrifices every day, and we want to help make their holidays a little brighter.”
Two Community Events Planned
The program will feature two Meet & Greet events where community members, business partners, and military families can participate:
Friday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. – Business-Focused Gathering
Location: Bruce’s Christmas Tree Lot, 720 E. Nees Ave., Fresno
Military trucks will pick up trees for delivery to their units. The event will include a short speech and prayer, and local news outlets are expected to cover the activity.
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. – Traditional Community Gathering
Location: Army National Guard Base, 5575 E. Airways Blvd., Fresno
More than 150 trees will be delivered to seven different military units. A short speech and prayer will precede unloading, and complimentary coffee and donuts will be provided by St. Mary’s Pharmacy. Members of the public, business partners, and families are welcome to attend.
Community Support Makes It Possible
The initiative depends on community support and sponsorship to reach its goal each year. Donations are processed through the nonprofit Our Heroes Dreams, a 501(c)(3) organization, making contributions tax-deductible.
Thanks With A Tree has become a much-anticipated holiday tradition in Fresno and the surrounding area. It serves as a reminder of the region’s appreciation for its service members and the power of local generosity to bring the community together.