Christmas Decor’s “Decorated Family Program” and Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program are teaming up this year in a joint effort to raise money and create awareness for the “Buck it Up” program. “Buck it Up” is a fundraising initiative which creates scholarships for military family members seeking a career in the horticulture industry, increases infrastructure to better handle the 8,000 military families and 2,200 volunteers participating in GreenCare for Troops, and enhance the free lawn and landscape services currently provided.

This 4th of July, Christmas Decor, the nation’s largest outdoor lighting and decorating franchise, is reaching out to the American public to launch its biggest search yet to nominate families who have loved ones that are or will be serving in the armed forces this winter. During last winter’s holiday season, Christmas Decor honored and celebrated men and women serving overseas by decorating almost 100 homes at no charge as part of its “Decorated Family Program.” This year’s goal is to double the program.

The partnership between Christmas Decor, whose franchisees are predominantly landscape/lawn care companies, and Project EverGreen will help raise awareness and money for the “Buck it Up” program. “Buck it Up” is a fundraising program to support the nationally recognized GreenCare for Troops program, which provides free lawn and landscape services to families whose major breadwinner is currently serving in active duty. To donate, sign up for help or volunteer, please visit http://projectevergreen.com/gcft/.

Families are selected for “Decorated Family” from those nominated via the “Decorated Families” link on the Christmas Decor website, www.ChristmasDecor.net. There is a brief application with an opportunity to write a 500 word essay describing why the family being nominated should become a Christmas Decor Decorated Family. Applications must be submitted online and families will be awarded based on their proximity to a participating Christmas Decor franchise and the impact of their story.