West Penn Power volunteers distributing trees in Jeannette

West Penn Power employee volunteers are giving away 300 tree saplings Friday in Jeannette and preparing 20 raised garden beds for the season.

The flowering dogwood saplings will available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until they run out, at the corner of South Seventh Street and Clay Avenue.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In addition to being nature’s cleaners of water and air, trees can improve quality of life, provide shade and wildlife habitat and increase property values. They can have a positive impact on the economy and health conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.

The giveaway is part of the FirstEnergy’s efforts to plant thousands of trees in its service territory. The utility has a goal of planting 20,000 trees in 2023, with half being directed to underserved communities.

West Penn Power’s Green Team of employee volunteers will add topsoil and compost to the raised beds at a community garden at the same intersection.