MANTON -- Michigan Christmas tree growers are donating 1,100 real Christmas trees in an effort to help military families celebrate the upcoming holiday.

The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation in cooperation with FedEx and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association is giving Christmas trees to more than 16,000 troops and their families. The program expects to deliver its 100,000th Christmas tree this season since the program's inception in 2005.

FedEx will pick up 300 of the 1,100 trees donated by Michigan growers Tuesday morning in Manton.  The trees will be donated from Dutchman Tree Farms and will be heading to Fort Hood, TX.

The Trees for Troops program will first collect, and then deliver the fresh Christmas trees to families at 63 military bases across America.

The Trees for Troops program provides a way for all Americans to show their appreciation for the sacrifices that U.S. troops and their families are making this holiday season. Members of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and at least 20 state or regional Christmas Tree Associations are donating the Christmas trees. FedEx is providing free shipping.

The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, based in Chesterfield, Mo, is a not-for-profit foundation that advances the Christmas spirit for children, families and the environment. Trees for Troops is just one of its projects.