Randolph, NJ:  Morris Habitat for Humanity will receive a unique gift from Tishman Speyer, the company that co-owns and operates Rockefeller Center.  This year the lumber milled from the 80th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be donated to help families in need of affordable housing.  The 80-foot, 10-ton Norway spruce that came from a home in the Flanders section of Mount Olive, NJ is “coming home” to provide building material for both the Morris Habitat for Humanity and the New York City affiliate.

To celebrate, and take a look at the tree before it was cut down, 55 supporters of Morris Habitat rode a bus into New York City.  The large group from Morris Habitat gathered around the tree for a few photos and stayed in the city for dinner together, thanks to special arrangements and the generosity of New Jersey Natural Gas Company, a long-time supporter of Morris Habitat’s efforts, and the restaurant, Cucina & Co, Rockefeller Center.

"Quite a lot of lumber can come out of that tree," noted Blair Schleicher Bravo of Mountain Lakes, Executive Director of Morris Habitat.  She added that, “the tree will create 600 to 900 two-by-fours and will be used in five  homes being built in 2013.  Two of those homes are in Mount Olive and three are in Madison.

Nancie Oakes Ludwig, a volunteer for Morris Habitat from Randolph said that “an evening like this shows the real spirit of community and what it can mean to so many people. It is wonderful to know that the tree will come full circle.”  Gus Hollstein, Habitat Faithful, Denville added “while this is the end of the life for the tree, it is the start of a new life as part of a Morris Habitat home.”

Yulia Savenkova, her 11 year old son, Igor, and her mother, who were selected for the Mt. Olive home currently under construction, excitedly joined the group into the city.  Igor was thrilled, saying   “it is a great honor to think that some of this tree will be in my new Morris Habitat home.”

For the past five years, Tishman Speyer, has been donating the tree to the Habitat chapter in the area of its origin. The 2007 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was first donated to Habitat for Humanity and used in the construction of a Hurricane Katrina survivor’s home in Pascagoula, Miss.  Since then, the lumber has been used in the construction of homes in New York City; Stamford, Conn.; Newburgh, N.Y; and Philadelphia.

“We are grateful to Tishman Speyer for the generous donation of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for the sixth consecutive year,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “The donation of lumber from the tree is a very special gift to our partner families and serves as a reminder that everyone can help in some way as Habitat seeks to build homes, communities and hope.”

Morris Habitat expects to receive the lumber in the spring and will be using it at several construction sites. For updates on the Christmas tree lumber, please follow Morris Habitat via its website www.morrishabitat.org,,  Facebook page and Twitter or call the office at 973-891-1934.

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About Morris Habitat for Humanity

Morris Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing agency dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families in Morris County and the surrounding New Jersey area.  Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds and rehabilitates houses in partnership with families in need.  Since 1985 Morris Habitat has served 249 households though home ownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. In addition, proceeds from our ReStore, opened May 2007, have built 6 homes and diverted over 2,000 tons of useable material out of landfills.  For more information about Morris Habitat call 973-891-1934 or visit www.morrishabitat.org.  To learn about the ReStore call 973-366-3358 or go to www.morrishabitat.org and follow the ReStore link. 

About Morris Habitat ReStore

Operated by Morris Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore sells donated building supplies and furnishings at huge savings off normal retail costs. Proceeds from the store have funded the construction of 6 houses since 2007. Information on donating, volunteering, or any other aspect of the ReStore can be found on its website at www.morrisrestore.org or by calling (973) 366-3358.

Located at 274 South Salem Street, Randolph, NJ 07869, the ReStore is open Wednesday-Friday 10-6, Thursday until 8 p.m., Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-5.  Cash, debit cards, Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Donation drop offs can be made during store hours, or for larger items call 973-366-3358 to schedule a pick-up. Donations are tax-deductible.