Stockings for our troops

With apple and pumpkin picking in full swing, very few are thinking about Christmas, especially Christmas for thousands of our young military men and women who are fighting a war thousands of miles from home.

America 4R Marines held a fundraiser at GW”™s Tavern in Chester Sept. 23 so those serving in the armed forces can have a little bit of Christmas in the war zone. This year”™s goal is to send 5,000 Christmas stockings to troops in Afghanistan, and there”™s no time like the present to start thinking about the upcoming  holidays.

Stockings sent out by America 4R Marines aren”™t what  you”™d expect: they include special wipes to keep sand off rifles, power bars, flashlights, winter scarves, lip balm, foot powder and other essentials that can”™t be picked up at the local PX ”“ because there aren”™t any in the middle of nowhere.

Last year, Moms4Marines  and its parent organization, America4RMarines.org, raised $300,000 to send more than 4,000 Christmas stockings to the troops ”“ an amazing feat, considering it was one of the worst years America faced since the Great Depression. This year, the goal is to surpass that amount and send 5,000 holiday stockings to the troops; and they are determined to make it happen.

“Many of us are lucky our children are home,” said Angela Ryan, whose son, Eddie, was seriously wounded by friendly fire in Iraq. With his parents in tow, Sgt. Eddie Ryan came to the event to inspire others to support Christmas for the troops.

Stockings need to be stuffed and ready for shipment by Nov. 15 to arrive in time for Christmas. So while planning those holiday galas and parties, consider contributing to our people fighting overseas.

Our combat troops are giving us the best years of their lives. It”™s time to let them know we appreciate what they”™ve been asked to do.

For more information, contact www.America4RMarines,org.