news-record.com

EDEN — Something extra will be in the stockings of at least 100 service members serving in the Middle East this Christmas, thanks to the women of several Christian churches in Eden and Reidsville.

About a week ago, nearly 60 women from Reidsville, Draper, Kings Highway and Central Christian churches gathered for their quarterly district meeting at Draper Christian Church in Eden.

The fellowship building was decorated in red, white and blue, and several participants donned appropriate clothing for the event.

In keeping with the veterans theme, DAV Chapter 63 members Walter McNeal, Glen Johnson, Billy Underwood, and Lance Hatfield spent the afternoon cooking stew for the women. Cole slaw and homemade desserts also were served.

Each woman brought bags of small items that have been placed in special USPO boxes and are on their way to Fort Bragg.

Items included puzzle books, small toiletries, candies, writing materials, snack items, small board games such as checkers, CDs and tapes, books and magazines, fly swatters, shoe insole cushions, socks, duct tape and sunscreen.

Special items included canned turkey, Christmas foods and small, unbreakable Christmas decorations, including Christmas stockings.

Contributions for purchasing additional supplies were taken during the meeting. Christmas cards with the names and addresses of the participating churches were included in each box.

After the volunteers placed a variety of items in each box, the packages were sealed and readied for delivery.

This is the second year the organization has sent Christmas boxes to members of the armed services. Previously, 76 boxes went to add cheer to those who wouldn’t make it home for Christmas, said Judy Carter, president of the Ladies Love Circle.

“It was such a success, we decided to do it again this year,” she said.

During her talk, Carter read a statement: “A veteran is someone who wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America, for an amount of up to and including his or her life.

“With that said, I think we need to give back to them as much as we can,” Carter said. “These boxes may seem small or insignificant to some, but when you are stationed in an area with no way to buy anything, getting these items often is as important as receiving high-dollar gifts.”

After all the boxes were readied, Carter took them to Fort Bragg, delivering them to a woman on the base who will ship them free to a chaplain overseas. That chaplain will determine who gets the boxes.

“Because they are going direct from one base to another one, the packages will arrive in plenty of time for Christmas,” Carter said.

“We hope that some of those who receive the packages are soldiers whose gifts from home were delayed or lost in transit,” Carter said.

“That way, everyone will have something under their 'tree’ for Christmas”

Reidsville native Ann Fish has lived in Eden since 1979. Contact her at annsomersfish@yahoo.com.