COLUMBUS (WCMH) – For the last 21 years, volunteers have come together to send Christmas trees to troops stationed overseas.

Hundreds of trees are packaged up and accompanied by decorations and letters of gratitude expressing support for those who defend our country.

Before the trees are sent overseas, they are inspected by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Inspectors look for insect or disease of problems and make sure nothing hitchhikes with the trees.

More than 5,000 trees have been send over the last 21 years.

A load of trees boxed up Tuesday was headed for Kuwait. They will be distributed through the region in time for the holidays.Tap here for more information about the program.