BEND, OR -- A local nonprofit is spreading holiday cheer to those who don’t have the means or the energy to decorate their homes. Lindsay Greco says the “Christmas Tree Project” began in 2014 after her husband passed away. She says she was so distracted and overwhelmed during his illness, she couldn't bear to put up a tree and she says she missed out on making one last holiday memory with him. "From there, I began to realize that because of the expense of having a Christmas tree, there are those that just do not have the financial means to decorate for the holidays and have that sparkle of the Christmas tree. I have received so many wonderful donations from tree toppers, to skirts, ornaments, various different decorations that people can just have around their homes."

The nonprofit provides fully decorated trees and other items to the disabled and those who don’t have the means to buy their own. "When we think about priorities, certainly having a decorated, sparkling Christmas tree would not be the primary focus. However, when a family is not able to provide Christmas gifts, sometimes that tree serves as the family gift." She tells KBND News, "It’s a very emotional thing for families. I have been greeted with tears and hugs. And, it certainly is a small, small gift in the scheme of things over the holiday season; but oh so meaningful when you have so little to go around."