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Giving Christmas treees for families in need |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 23 November 2006 |
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 Ryan Behm is the Santa Claus of Christmas trees. Each year, he delivers Christmas trees to families in need.
Many families can’t afford a Christmas tree and gifts, so they are often forced to choose one or the other.
“It would almost be a disservice if I didn’t do it,” the 26-year-old Fort Collins resident said.  “I firmly believe I am not here to only care for me.”
Behm, born and raised in Loveland, started his program three years ago. Each year he compiles a list of names through various organizations like United Way’s 211 and Project Self-Sufficiency. He contacts the families to see what they need and if he can bring them a tree.
He rallies a group of volunteers, mainly high school and middle school kids from his church, Peace with Christ Lutheran Church in Fort Collins Then, on a Saturday in early December, the group heads to the hills in the early morning. A friend of Behm’s has some property in the mountains where the trees need to be thinned.
But the job doesn’t stop there. Once they are back in town, they drive to each home, a chore that stretches from Wellington to Fort Collins and then to Loveland. Last year, they delivered trees to 25 families. This year, Behm would like to double that. He also checks with each family to see what decorations are needed.
When Behm and his volunteers see the smile a Christmas tree brings to the face of a child who otherwise wouldn’t have one, they know the long day was worth it.
Volunteering in the community has always been a passion of Behm’s. He started at an early age through his church and Boy Scouts. He works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans as a financial representative. He attributes some of his passion to his upbringing.
“My family wanted me to realize we have a nice home to go to and meals to eat,” he said. “For these people who don’t have those things, we need to reach out and help.”
Behm’s wife Taneal is also involved in cutting and decorating trees.
“We really appreciate our time that we share together serving those in need,” he said. “It really is awesome to share that common bond and importance of serving. Especially being newlyweds, I know we are looking forward to the time we get to spend together bringing some Christmas cheer to others.” | Only registered users can write comments.
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