The boxes of gifts held ordinary, everyday items — packets of noodles, hand wipes, crackers, socks and candy. But when they are opened by a soldier serving in Iraq or another part of the world, these boxes will become treasures.
More than anything the men and women serving our country overseas want to know they haven’t been forgotten. And from what I’m hearing, Cleveland County is doing its part to make sure our soldiers know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
Last week I visited with the newly formed Thursday prayer group at HarvestWorks. The clients in the Lifeskills program each adopted a soldier from the list that was published in The Star. To help them learn how to budget and spend money, each one received $20 to buy items for a soldier. They also included a letter with their gift.
Timmy Brown used his money to buy wipes, foot powders, an ink pen that lights up, crossword puzzle books, soup, candy, crackers, raisins, cookies and other items.“I like the soldiers and my brother was in the service,” Timmy said. “I wanted to thank them for what they do.”
Sarah Jane Hunt held her box up to pose for a picture. The top was decorated and personalized with the name of her soldier.Sarah Jane wrote to her soldier, “I like to pray. I’m thankful that you are fighting for our country. I pray for you and I pray for your family.”She also told them her favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)
Shopping for the soldiers was especially fun for Pandora Earls, the cook at HarvestWorks.“I bought what I wanted. My dad was 26 years in the military and I lived in Germany,” she said. “Crackers are good when you are away from home.”
Paraprofessional Regina Bright said everyone enjoyed shopping for the soldiers.“They really got into it. They went overboard.”
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1 comment:
On Saturday, December 1st, my son Brian called me and told me that he had received a "care package" from Walt at HarvestWorks. Saturday was Brian's 27th birthday. I have another son, Lee, who is 23 and is currently stationed in Germany. Lee was stationed in Afghanistan for a short period of time. Fortunately neither one of my sons are serving in a dangerous place at this time. I was deeply touched by this act of kindness. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to The Star for recognizing our soldiers from Cleveland County, to HarvestWorks for their caring and to everyone else who has done an act of kindness for the men and women who are serving our great country.
Sincerely,
Randi Powell
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