Habitat for Humanity – New York City to receive lumber milled from the 80th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Lumber will be used help build homes with families in need of affordable housing

NEW YORK, NY (January 8, 2013) – Continuing a post-holiday tradition that has helped fulfill the dream of homeownership, lumber milled from the 80th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is being donated to Habitat for Humanity – New York City to help families in need of affordable housing.

Tishman Speyer, the company that owns and operates Rockefeller Center, is milling and donating the lumber from the 80 year-old, 80-foot Norway spruce from Mount Olive, N.J. A portion of the lumber will be used to help build homes in New York City.  

“The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic part of New York City and Habitat-NYC looks forward to using its wood to help revitalize our city’s communities,” said Rachel Hyman, Acting Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity – New York City. “The tree provided joy for countless New Yorkers and visitors during the holiday season, and soon it will provide the foundation for homes for hardworking families.”

Founded in 1984 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat-NYC builds homes in New York City for ownership by families and individuals in need. Every homebuyer contributes at least 200 volunteer hours as part of their partnership. Each year, thousands of volunteers build with Habitat-NYC.

“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.”

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.

About Habitat for Humanity – New York City
Habitat for Humanity - New York City transforms lives and our city by building quality homes for families in need and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat-NYC has built more than 260 affordable homes in the five boroughs of New York City.

Contact:     
Carly Blatt
(212) 991-4000 ext. 344
cblatt@habitatnyc.org

Habitatnyc.org
@HabitatNYC
Facebook.com/Habitat.for.Humanity.NYC