- 9 e808_~.8 70O@_ 7@_ ~@_ oe " eo ~e N4@ ~e 390 ~ “0697 e r Christmas: S , A : 5 28 oer @-._@er_ 0@at_ ~_Out @_O00+. 0__@ 00 (es a" 607 @" O8- a Ore 007 a Otro (@ Help Santa Find The Perfect Real Christmas Tree (NAPSA)—Santa is looking for the perfect Real ChristmasTree. While artificial trees are made from non-biodegradable metals and plastics, Real Christmas trees are a benefit to the environment from the time they are planted until after the holiday season, when they can berecycled. While they’re growing, traditional Real Christmas trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases and emitting fresh oxygen. The North American farms that grow Christmas trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic greenbelts. In fact, some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches and on riverbeds. Sunkinto private fish ponds, trees make excellent refuge and feeding areasfor fish. Among the homes that have a traditional Real Christmas tree is one of the country’s bestknown: the White House. The famous Rockefeller Center tree in New York City is also a naturaltree. The practice of using a living tree to celebrate the holidaysis gaining in popularity. Grand prize winner DanaBrittany Smith and her family from Greensboro,N.C. Now kids ages 6 to 18 have a chance to show off their family trees—and maybe win a great prize. Prizes in the National Christmas Tree Association 2005 essay contest include: * $5,000 or $10,000 scholarships All-expenses paid trips for four to Orlando, Fla. And many other exciting prizes To enter, simply get an entry form, take a picture of your family tree and explain in 300 words or less why yoursis the perfect Real Christmastree. The contest begins November 1, and all entries must be received by December 31. For more information, official rules or an entry form, visit www.realchristmas trees.org.
