DHL Express, the world's leading international express shipping provider, is partnering with the New York community to send hundreds of fresh-cut Christmas trees along with thousands of holiday letters, menorahs, decorations and gifts to U.S. servicemen and women serving their country in Afghanistan and Bahrain.

'We're honored to join with the local community for this wonderful annual tradition, so our U.S. servicemen and women can receive a dose of holiday spirit,' said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S. 'Although many New York communities are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, it's encouraging to see the resiliance of those hardest hit and heartwarming to see their continued support of our troops this season.'

The holiday bounty was generously provided through donations from New York businesses and community organizations, including Dees' Nursery, Adelis International Security, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon and Proctor-Hopson Post 1896 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

All the goods will be packed and shipped courtesy of DHL Express from Long Island-based Dees' Nursery, with a send off celebration on the nursery grounds at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 3rd. Local community and veterans groups, schools and Nassau County dignitaries will help send off the shipment of holiday cheer ' along with a special appearance by Santa bearing DHL gifts.

From Dees', the trees and trimmings will proceed via official police motorcade to the DHL Gateway facility at JFK International Airport for loading onto a DHL 777 aircraft that travels non-stop directly from the U.S. to the Middle East.