In early January, while many were turning Christmas trees into mulch, the Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV) found a more meaningful—and adorable—way to recycle nearly half of the 100 trees that had adorned their 28th Annual Winter Wonderland. The destination? Grady Goat Farm in Thonotosassa, Florida.
Pam Ryan-Anderson, President of CCV, recalled watching a local news story about the farm’s request for leftover Christmas trees as treats for their rescue animals. “I called up the farm and learned there was a lot more to what they are doing than just taking care of goats,” she said.
Grady Goat Farm isn’t your average rescue. Home to over 200 goats, along with cows and donkeys, the farm raises money for children’s charities through events like goat yoga and other community activities. Their efforts directly benefit the Grady Goat Foundation, which supports children facing adversity.
Pam, her husband Joel Anderson (Winter Wonderland’s Construction Director), and daughter Amanda (a fellow CCV volunteer) loaded up the trees and made the trip to the farm themselves. “The farm is beautiful and the owners are just so passionate about what they do—it was inspirational,” said Pam. “And the goats and cows loved the trees!”
This unexpected partnership between CCV and Grady Goat Farm reflects a shared mission: helping children and families in need, while building community through creativity and compassion.
To learn more about Grady Goat Farm, visit www.gradygoat.org.
To discover more about the Clearwater Community Volunteers and their ongoing efforts, visit www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org.
