SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) -- People lined up Saturday morning at the Kroger on Mall Blvd. in Savannah to do their part for the environment. The Savannah Tree Foundation, in partnership with Kroger and the Arbor Day Foundation, gave away 500 free trees, including 13 native species like Ann Magnolia, Jane Magnolia, Live Oak, Summer Red Maple, Eastern Redbud, Nuttall Oak, Long Leaf Pine, Bald Cypress, Swamp Chestnut Oak, White Oak, Shumard Oak, Overcup Oak and Fig. “At Kroger, our purpose is to feed the human spirit. This event is also a testament to our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative. Every day when we open our doors, we are looking for ways to uplift our customers and fulfill our commitment to build a more sustainable future.” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We are very excited to partner with these organizations for this year’s Spring Tree Giveaway. We know that when someone picks up and plants a tree, it will foster a smile and a healthier environment for generations to come.” Savannah Tree Foundation's 3rd Annual Green Gala Matt White, the operations manager for the Savannah Tree Foundation, agrees. He says this giveaway is about more than just free trees. "As our older canopy ages out, it's important to plant and get that next generation of trees growing. This is the perfect way to create awareness." “In a changing world, trees are a crucial part of creating sustainable and resilient cities. That’s why it’s so important for business leaders to be bold enough to meet this moment with trees and action,” said Dan Morrow, Vice President of Programs & Partnerships at the Arbor Day Foundation. “These community trees will provide meaningful, lasting impact and we are grateful Kroger is bold enough to believe a better world is possible through trees.”   Young-Ennaemba was happy to see such a big turnout. "Our very first couple was here waiting patiently at 7:00 this morning. We weren't scheduled to give away any trees until 9:00 a.m. The line just grew and grew!" One woman told WSAV News 3 she planned to give one of her trees to her mother. The 500 trees were distributed on a first come, first serve basis. There was a limit of up to 2 trees per household. Each year the Savannah Tree Foundation does 2 tree giveaways, one in the spring and another in the fall. They are considering doing more throughout the year. ...read more read less