Now in its third year, The Brittany Project continues to deliver free, fully decorated artificial Christmas trees to underprivileged families—a cause Officer Brittany Maxwell of the Murfreesboro (Tenn.) PD originally planned to call the Christmas Tree Project. Unfortunately, Officer Maxwell, 25, unexpectedly passed away before she could see the project through. Family and friends continue her legacy, dubbing their effort “The Brittany Project” in her honor.
“The Christmas tree program has been doing really well. We depend on the community to help us, and everybody who works with us is strictly volunteers,” says Brittany’s mother Kim Maxwell. “We delivered approximately 100 trees last year, which was double from the year before. We’re hoping to reach more families this year.”
In addition to delivering Christmas trees, the project has expanded into a non-profit organization (currently in its final stages of receiving 501 C(3) status) dedicated to serving and supporting those in need throughout the community. “As Brittany knew, and we have seen, there is a need for those in the community who are suffering. People need help year round—not just during Christmas,” says Maxwell.
To help with the day-to-day needs within the community, The Brittany Project has partnered with Last Call 4 Grace to assign mentors, arrange activities and provide resources (food, clothing, school supplies, etc.) for those who need financial and emotional support.
You can volunteer your time or make donations by visiting their website (www.TheBrittanyProject.org) or their Facebook page (The Brittany Project) for more information.