Posted on 11/17/2005 9:45:37 PM PST by SandRat
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Nov. 17, 2005) -- With only six weeks until Christmas, many people have started their holiday shopping. However, not everyone can afford to spend hundreds of dollars on presents.
For those Marines and sailors – E-5 and below – on Marine Corps Base Quantico who might be a little tight on cash this holiday season, the Adopt-A-Family program is ready to help.
The program, which was started in 1989 by the Personal Readiness and Community Services Center here, is designed to support readiness and enhance the morale of the leathernecks and sailors on base during the holiday season.
The program kicked off Nov. 9 and matches volunteer sponsors with military families who might not have extra money during the holidays and provides them with “the goods” to have a happier holiday, said Nancy Silverstein, a community service representative for PRCSC.
Most commands around the base have representatives who will be responsible for accepting applications for those who wish to be adopted, Silverstein said.
Silverstein stressed that applying does not mean the family will be adopted, but she feels it would be an unusual case if they were not. A unit representative will let the families know if they are adopted.
“During this time of year we have more people interested in giving than receiving,” said Lon Martin, the deputy director for the PRCSC.
It is also important that individuals wanting to be adopted know that their identity will be kept anonymous, Silverstein said.
Not just anyone can apply to be adopted. Being a single parent or having recently moved to a new duty station are two reasons a person would be considered for adoption.
Recent financial hardship, death or illness in the immediate family, or having an exceptional family member are some other qualifying factors.
According to Martin, 110 families were adopted last year.
Individuals, families and organizations may sponsor adopted Marine or Navy families by providing non-perishable, wrapped presents.
Each gift must be identified as to which gender and for which ages it is appropriate. Sponsor forms can be obtained from the PRCSC or a unit representative.
Silverstein believes the sponsors are affected by this program because they get “a satisfaction from reaching out and touching a military member in need.”
Gifts should be dropped off at the PRCSC’s lower level on the south side of Little Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. no later than Dec. 9.
For more information on the Adopt-A-Family program, contact Jennifer Silverstein at 784-8351.
Calling the caring.
Is there a link to donate directly? I live overseas and would be glad to donate, but snail mail probably wouldn't get there in time.
go to http://www.usmc.mil and search around or Google on the Marine base name to find the home page. There might be something there.
I'm guessing the area code is 703 but that would be helpful to know for sure.
BTTT
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