Martinsburg Church of God Giving Trees Away This Weekend

On Dec. 11, Martinsburg Church of God will be hosting a Christmas tree giveaway. This event is the fourth of its kind; the first two were held at Woodbury Church of God and the third at Martinsburg.

The trees will come from Brush Creek Evergreens in Breezewood, who “help out with the price,” according to Jim Shaffer, pastor of Martinsburg Church of God.

Aside from the trees donated by the church itself, local businesses have stepped in to contribute. These businesses include:

• Ritchey’s Dairy

• Martinsburg Pizza

• Morrisons Cove Herald

• Roaring Spring Department Store

• Memorial Church of Brethren

• Martinsburg Ministerium

• Brush Creek Tree Farm

The giveaway will start at 1 p.m. at Martinsburg Church of God in the parking lot off Market Street. It’s a first-come-first-serve basis. The church will have around 30 trees to give away this year, which is 10-15 more than previous years. The trees are completely free to those who receive them and include a free Christmas tree stand.

“God’s love is free,” said Shaffer.

While many local churches and businesses look to donate gifts, this tradition was started to offer support in a different area.

“This is not about Martinsburg Church of God or getting people in the building,” said Shaffer. “We are doing what we’re called to do – helping those in need.”

According to Shaffer, these trees are for anyone who wants them.

“In a perfect world, a young mother or a single father would take advantage of this,” said Shaffer.

Last year, the church had three or four trees leftover. The church chose to have the giveaway on a Saturday afternoon this year so that more people would be able to attend.

The church is also looking into feeding those in need once a month with a free meal. Shaffer said the church just wants to help people in the community.