thedrifter
11-15-05, 10:34 PM
Marines contribute to Holiday Cheer
MCAS New River
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2005) -- Since Oct. 1, Station servicemembers have been donating canned goods and cooking accessories to the annual Holiday Cheer program, sponsored by the Officer’s Wives Club and the Station chaplain’s office to benefit Marines in need.
The program began as Christmas Cheer, but the organizers realized there was a greater need at Thanksgiving, said Monica Turner, program coordinator.
“Now the idea is to provide a complete Thanksgiving meal to Marines and their families,” she said. “Many people leave the area at Christmastime, but we wanted to help people at Thanksgiving because there might be a greater need.”
According to Chief Petty Officer James A. Maraan, Station Memorial Chapel religious programs specialist, information was sent to every unit’s sergeant major requesting names of Marines who might be eligible to receive the assistance.
“We know there are Marines, especially younger Marines with families, out there who need help,” he said. “The sergeant majors could look in their own squadrons to identify those people.”
Approximately 250 families were deemed in need of the program’s help. The next step was to request the donations of food and supplies necessary to create complete dinners for the families.
The items included canned vegetables, foil turkey tins, baking products and stuffing mix. The families will receive a voucher for a free turkey from the commissary as well, said Turner.
Drop-off points were set up around the Station to make the donation process easier.
“There were collection sites at the commissary, Delalio Elementary School, the chapel, and even some of the squadrons around the Air Station,” said Maraan. “All the food and supplies were then taken to the Tax Center where it was sorted so we could begin making up the bags.”
Volunteers from the OWC and the chapel took the time to prepare the bags, which will be picked up on Friday and distributed by Marines from each command. At last count, there were enough donations to fill nearly 270 bags, proving once again that the Station always helps those in need.
“We have to take care of our own,” said Maraan. “It’s a good way to give back for all they do for us, especially during the holiday season. I’m glad for the opportunity to do this. Helping out our fellow Marines and Sailor around New River is a great thing.”
Turner said she was thankful to all who contributed time, money and effort to the program.
“We couldn’t do this on our own,” she said. “We really rely on the generosity of everyone aboard the Air Station.”
Ellie
MCAS New River
Story by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Gale
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Nov. 15, 2005) -- Since Oct. 1, Station servicemembers have been donating canned goods and cooking accessories to the annual Holiday Cheer program, sponsored by the Officer’s Wives Club and the Station chaplain’s office to benefit Marines in need.
The program began as Christmas Cheer, but the organizers realized there was a greater need at Thanksgiving, said Monica Turner, program coordinator.
“Now the idea is to provide a complete Thanksgiving meal to Marines and their families,” she said. “Many people leave the area at Christmastime, but we wanted to help people at Thanksgiving because there might be a greater need.”
According to Chief Petty Officer James A. Maraan, Station Memorial Chapel religious programs specialist, information was sent to every unit’s sergeant major requesting names of Marines who might be eligible to receive the assistance.
“We know there are Marines, especially younger Marines with families, out there who need help,” he said. “The sergeant majors could look in their own squadrons to identify those people.”
Approximately 250 families were deemed in need of the program’s help. The next step was to request the donations of food and supplies necessary to create complete dinners for the families.
The items included canned vegetables, foil turkey tins, baking products and stuffing mix. The families will receive a voucher for a free turkey from the commissary as well, said Turner.
Drop-off points were set up around the Station to make the donation process easier.
“There were collection sites at the commissary, Delalio Elementary School, the chapel, and even some of the squadrons around the Air Station,” said Maraan. “All the food and supplies were then taken to the Tax Center where it was sorted so we could begin making up the bags.”
Volunteers from the OWC and the chapel took the time to prepare the bags, which will be picked up on Friday and distributed by Marines from each command. At last count, there were enough donations to fill nearly 270 bags, proving once again that the Station always helps those in need.
“We have to take care of our own,” said Maraan. “It’s a good way to give back for all they do for us, especially during the holiday season. I’m glad for the opportunity to do this. Helping out our fellow Marines and Sailor around New River is a great thing.”
Turner said she was thankful to all who contributed time, money and effort to the program.
“We couldn’t do this on our own,” she said. “We really rely on the generosity of everyone aboard the Air Station.”
Ellie