thedrifter
12-06-06, 07:22 AM
Dec 5, 2006 5:06 pm US/Eastern
Operation Eternal Gratitude Underway In Doylestown
(CBS 3) DOYLESTOWN The community of Doylestown is doing its part to bring holiday cheer to hundreds of U.S. marines stationed overseas in what they call “Operation Eternal Gratitude.”
Volunteers gathered at Central Bucks High School East Tuesday to put together care packages in order to remind Marines stationed in Iraq that they are not forgotten on the holidays.
The operation was a personal one for the Hicks family. Rita Hicks’ son Bill, a Marine Lance Corporal, is currently on duty in Iraq.
“It’s very personal, this is where Bill went to school, this is where all his friends are, this is where he grew up,” she said.
The school’s cafeteria has become a Santa's Gift Shop with stacks of goodies, essentials,
even poignant notes from children all to be packed up an sent to the 200 Marines serving with Bill Hicks in the 2/8 Weapons Company.
The operation has united community members for a common cause.
“People that I know who hate the war, they’ve always hated the war, they’ve gone out shopping, they’ve sent us money, they’re here packing,” said Rita Hicks.
Katie Mayo is the commander the operation. Since 2002, she has packed hundreds of boxes to be sent to her son, Kyle, whose unit also is in Iraq.
“They love it when they get these little things,” she said.
The Marine Corp. Family Foundation is sponsoring the entire operation and within two weeks, boxes will be arriving to soldiers in Iraq, making the holidays just a little sweeter.
Ellie
Operation Eternal Gratitude Underway In Doylestown
(CBS 3) DOYLESTOWN The community of Doylestown is doing its part to bring holiday cheer to hundreds of U.S. marines stationed overseas in what they call “Operation Eternal Gratitude.”
Volunteers gathered at Central Bucks High School East Tuesday to put together care packages in order to remind Marines stationed in Iraq that they are not forgotten on the holidays.
The operation was a personal one for the Hicks family. Rita Hicks’ son Bill, a Marine Lance Corporal, is currently on duty in Iraq.
“It’s very personal, this is where Bill went to school, this is where all his friends are, this is where he grew up,” she said.
The school’s cafeteria has become a Santa's Gift Shop with stacks of goodies, essentials,
even poignant notes from children all to be packed up an sent to the 200 Marines serving with Bill Hicks in the 2/8 Weapons Company.
The operation has united community members for a common cause.
“People that I know who hate the war, they’ve always hated the war, they’ve gone out shopping, they’ve sent us money, they’re here packing,” said Rita Hicks.
Katie Mayo is the commander the operation. Since 2002, she has packed hundreds of boxes to be sent to her son, Kyle, whose unit also is in Iraq.
“They love it when they get these little things,” she said.
The Marine Corp. Family Foundation is sponsoring the entire operation and within two weeks, boxes will be arriving to soldiers in Iraq, making the holidays just a little sweeter.
Ellie