Free Christmas Trees At Baiting Hollow Farm Tuesday

BAITING HOLLOW, NY — In the true spirit of the season, a local farm is giving away the remainder of its Christmas trees for free to families in need – and to anyone who wants, or needs the magic of the holiday in their homes.

On Monday, 150 trees were given away, with about 80 left for Tuesday, when the farm will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people to receive their own beautiful offering.

"Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard purchased many trees to sell this year. We had many trees leftover after our final weekend before Christmas," said Steven Kelly, general manager. "We decided to offer the trees to anyone who needs one. This year has been tough for so many people, so we wanted to bring a little Christmas spirit to those that needed it. It’s our way of saying 'Merry Christmas' to all of our neighbors."

On Monday night, he was moved by the joy he'd seen as the trees were distributed. "It makes us so happy. Today was filled with emotions and gratitude — many tears and plenty of smiles," he said.

Nicole Tuite, who works at the farm, said there are more than 200 trees to be gifted. Rather than just cut them up, she wanted them to brighten the holidays for those who would otherwise go without.

Growing up, Tuite knew a single mom with five children and saw firsthand how difficult the holidays could be. "Some moms have to choose between gifts for their children and a tree," she said.

And even those who are alone, who might not have decorated, need Christmas trees to fill the holidays with tradition, she said.

Others, she added, may have been busy and just not gotten to buy a tree yet.

No matter what the reason, Nicole and her husband Mark Tuite are at the farm, ready to help. Those who are struggling should not feel embarrassed about asking for the free tree, they said.

"We've all had hard times in our lives," Mark said.

The trees stand as a testament to the sense of love and community they hope to share this holiday season.

"My hope is that every tree gets a home," Nicole said. "Every house should have a Christmas tree."

Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard is located at 2114 Sound Avenue; the trees will be available Monday and Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m.

All trees must go, staffers said. And all are happy to share the joy: "Stop by and get a tree on us," farm staff said.