CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 7, 2026 /3BL/ – In the wake of recent hurricanes that have left lasting impacts across western North Carolina, Truist Charitable Fund is helping communities take an important step toward recovery one tree at a time. Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, residents in impacted areas can now reserve free trees to replant, restore, and rebuild the natural spaces that make their communities feel like home.
These trees will help grow hope and renewal in the wake of disaster, while also providing a range of other benefits to the community including cleaner air and cooler neighborhoods, improved stormwater management, and fostering local resilience.
“For many families, trees are more than just part of the landscape – they’re tied to memories, comfort, and a sense of place,” said Kristen Bousquet, Senior Partnerships Manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “This initiative is about helping communities heal and move forward, restoring not just tree canopy, but a sense of normalcy and hope.”
Residents can reserve their free trees at getarborday.org/truist. Through a simple online experience, participants can choose trees suited for their property and receive guidance on where to plant them for the greatest long-term benefit. Each household may reserve up to 5 trees, with delivery direct to doorsteps for ease and inclusivity. The program will continue until all 4,400 trees have been claimed.
Powered by research from the USDA Forest Service and developed in partnership with the Davey Institute, the Arbor Day Foundation’s platform ensures each tree is planted in the right place for long-term success, supporting recovery efforts that will be felt for generations.
Truist is steadfast in its purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities, and in 2024 announced “Truist Cares for Western North Carolina,” a three-year, $725 million commitment to support critical needs in Western North Carolina as communities impacted by Hurricane Helene recover and rebuild. For more information on this initiative, visit truist.com/TruistCares.
About the Truist Charitable Fund
The Truist Charitable Fund (“TCF”) is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives. TCF was established as a donor-advised fund and invests in local community organizations, focusing on grants that support initiatives and programs in the areas of educational opportunity, leadership development, and community services. To learn more about Truist’s purpose, visit truist.com/purpose.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.
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