A local business owner has created a fundraiser to help put a Christmas Tree in the homes of struggling families with kids.

At a local hardware store on Chester County, tree vouchers are being sold for 50% off the retail price of a six to eight foot Christmas Tree. Patrons that visit Village Hardware of Gutheriesville, located on RT 322 in Downingtown, PA are making a $30 donation. These trees are being set aside to help out families with children, who would otherwise not be able to afford a tree this holiday season.

The idea for “The 2009 Christmas Tree for Children Fundraiser” just came to Bobby Lewis, owner of Freedom Lawn and BobbyLewisArt.com. He contacted Larry Welsch, Executive Director of the Chester County Food Bank with the idea of putting trees into homes of families with kids that would not be able to afford a tree.

“Many of the families we serve at the local food cupboards struggle every day to have enough money for rent, heat and food. Having a donated tree for their home is a great way to spread the holiday spirit to kids at Christmas.” says Welsch.

Families with children that visit the local food cupboards in Chester County this December will receive a voucher to pick up their donated tree at the Village Hardware store.

For more information, contact Larry Welsch at 610-269-4200.