Trees for the Future,a leading nonprofit organization providing economic opportunity and improving livelihoods worldwide through seed distribution and agroforestry training, is offering the gift of fresh air this holiday season. Tree Planting Certificates -- available on the organization’s website -- allow donors to have 500 to 5,000 trees planted in honor of a friend, family, or loved one. For as little as $20, donors can have a personalized certificate sent directly to the recipient.

“Trees are the perfect gift because they replenish the soil, increase crop production, keep groundwater clean and help provide sustainable jobs,” said Gorav Seth, head of international programs for Trees for the Future. “By giving a Tree Planting Certificate, you are letting your loved ones know that you care about them -- and the world.”

Tree Planting Certificates are available in three easy options: $50 plants a “Grove” of 500 trees, $100 plants a “Forest” of 1,000 trees, and $500 plants a “Village” of 5,000 trees. Donors can give other amounts at a rate of 10 cents per tree. For a minimum of $20, recipients are sent an e-certificate and for gifts $50 and over, donors can send a print certificate.

Trees for the Future currently runs tree-planting operations in 19 countries in Central America, South America, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Donors can choose to have trees planted in such countries as Haiti, Ethiopia, Nicaragua or Brazil, if they wish.

“It’s a cliché, but this really is the gift that keeps on giving,” adds Seth. “These trees will help decrease poverty and improve the environment in the countries where they are planted, while also helping reduce greenhouse gases that affect us all.”

Certificates can be purchased online at:www.plant-trees.org/donate.htm. To see a sample certificate, visit:www.plant-trees.org/samplecert.htm.

About Trees for the Future

Headquartered in Silver Spring, Md. and founded in 1989, Trees for the Future is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization helping communities around the world plant trees. Through seed distribution, sustainable management and agroforestry training as well as in-country technical assistance, the organization empowers rural groups worldwide to restore tree cover to their lands, protect the environment and help to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations. To learn more, visit:www.plant-trees.org.