When Trees for Keeps began in 2018, it was by pure inspiration. If you remember the show, Returning the Favor, on Facebook, you’ll also remember the families and individuals that were assisted financially to continue their nonprofit business. We were watching the program that day when the thought came to me that we could run a nonprofit and that helping those in need would be a great goal – even though we’d never run a nonprofit before.
I turned to my husband, Doug, who was sitting beside me on the couch and what transpired next can only be described as a miracle.
For many years Doug has wanted to run a tree farm, and then give out Christmas trees to those in need, but the dream was never realized. We don’t have land – at least not near enough land for a tree farm – and the cost of operating a business like this has never been within our budget.
Still, the thought came to me that perhaps we could still live the dream but in a different way. What if the trees were artificial? We could store the trees during the year in their boxes in the basement. We could get new tree donations, and all of the ‘sparklies’ that trees need to make them beautiful at Christmas. This we could do.
Trees for Keeps was born.
Since that time, Trees for Keeps has grown exponentially. We have helped many families with trees, decorations, gifts and gift cards. Hospitals have received baby hats for newborns, stillborn, and premature babies. Schools and homeless shelters have received hats, coats, gloves, socks and shoes.
Do you take ____________? Has caused us to rethink Trees for Keeps and to expand its offerings.
When we tried to think of a new name for the nonprofit, one that would keep Trees for Keeps under the umbrella of what we do, I remembered the name Secret Service – something we created years ago when our children were small and we secretly left goodies on the steps of people in the neighborhood. We’d even developed a logo with two S’s face to face in the shape of a heart.
This was it!
My Secret Service was born.
Today, we are still looking for new artificial Christmas trees and everything Christmas – stockings, tree skirts, tree toppers, lights, gifts and gift cards, as well as everything children of all ages need. We are open to your suggestions.
My Secret Service is your nonprofit, your place to give in secret to those in need. |
