Two local hospices grow money from trees

The big picture: More than 1,300 Christmas trees were collected from homes, businesses and organisations across Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and surrounding areas on 9 and 10 January, raising over £24,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

Why it matters: The £24,000 raised will help fund vital free services for adults with life-limiting illnesses and children with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia.

How it works:

• Residents donate money in exchange for tree collection

• Trees are collected by hospice teams and volunteers

• Eastwood Trees chips the collected trees

• Woodchip is provided to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park for their bears

Behind the scenes: The collection effort was supported by volunteers from major organisations, including Amazon, Flagship Housing, Kier Group, Network Rail, BT Open Reach, Our House and Medequip.

What they're saying: Kelly Nekrews, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, called the initiative "a real difference to both hospices in such an environmentally green initiative."

EACH's Community Fundraising Manager, Tina Burdett, noted: "This is our most successful year so far, and we're grateful beyond words to everyone who makes it an incredible fundraiser for both charities."

The bottom line: Through community support and the effort of generous volunteers, unwanted Christmas trees have been transformed into £24,000 of essential hospice care across East Anglia. And they say money doesn't grow on trees.