Program puts gifts under soldiers' family trees

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | Bill Hess

[SandRat]

FORT HUACHUCA — Soldiers are called upon to protect the country, and sometimes that means giving their lives.

But during the upcoming Christmas holiday, people are being asked to help soldiers’ families by giving to their children. About 400 children need presents, said Jo Moore, who heads the fort chaplains’ outreach ministries.

Holding up a three-ringed binder, Moore showed 3 inches of requests so far this year.

That does not include the needs of families who are scheduled to arrive on the fort before Christmas and stay in temporary quarters, Moore said.

“I’ve gone down on Christmas Eve to deliver presents and a tree so a family will have something for their children,” she said.

This year’s Post Giving Tree Program will support newborns to teenagers. Some women who are expecting a child during the holiday season also have already put in for help.

The program has been part of the chaplain’s’ program since 1992.

Much of the support comes from the Chaplain Tithes and Offering Funds, which reaches out to support GIs and their families throughout the year, Moore said. Additional funds are sought because of the annual holiday needs.

Today, 264 soldiers and their families are enjoying a Thanksgiving meal because of special $50 certificates they received to purchase food, Moore said.

Many of the GIs are lower ranking enlisted men and women who have a number of children who have difficult times making ends meet on a soldier’s salary, Moore said.

Last year, 600 children were helped, but this year’s requests are a little lower, she said.

“But next year it may explode,” Moore said.

There are many helpers who reach out every year.

One is a group of contractor employees who support the Unmanned Aerial System Training Battalion on the post. Each year the organization donates money to purchase bicycles.

Moore and Jim Callahan, General Dynamics information technology site manager, recently went to the fort’s main Post Exchange store to look at bicycles.

“Last year 89 bikes were requested and filled, and this year it looks like it will be 100 or more,” Callahan said.

In the first year of the program, 48 bicycles were purchased by the contract group.

There are giving trees scattered around the post where people can pull tags to purchase gifts for a child. Each child has three tags available, one for clothing, one for shoes and another for a toy.

The trees are located at the main PX store, the Apache Flats RV Park, Greely Hall and at all the chapels.

People who purchase items are asked to bring them to the PX store, unwrapped, with the appropriate tag.

Moore said with a laugh that she even has a mobile tree with tags on it that she takes when she speaks before clubs and organizations.

The giving tree program isn’t the only way people can help.

People who would like to donate unwrapped items or donate money can do so by calling her.

Food items for the outreach ministries program also are being accepted because families need help throughout the year.

Over the years that she has been the director, Moore also has seen the kindness of people on and off the post.

“Our soldiers and their families need our help, and I know the local communities will reach out again,” she said.

HERALD/REVIEW senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or by e-mail at bill.hess@svherald.com.

[SandRat]

Jo Moore, left, Colleen Murray and Jim Callahan look at bicycles outside Fort Huachuca's Post Exchange deciding which of the two-wheeled vehicles to purchase for the children of post soldiers for Christmas. Moore is the director of the fort's chaplains outreach ministries. Murray is the main store manager. Callahan is the site manager for General Dynamics, a post contractor supporting the Unmanned Aerial Systems Training Battalion, which raises money to purchases bicycles for the post's special Christmas program. (Bill Hess-Herald/Review)

[SandRat]

People with Big-Hearts

[NonValueAdded]

BTTT

[StarCMC]

Hey SandRat ~ for those not on post, is there a way we can help?

[SandRat]

Call or email Bill Hess and he can help get you in touch with the Post Chaplain's Office, Jo Moore, Colleen Murray ,and Jim Callahan.

[StarCMC]

Thanks! I am bookmarking this thread so I can find it again when I have time to respond properly!

*HUGS*

[SandRat]

**HUGS** Hope you have a Happy Thanksging.

[HiJinx]

Let me see if I can get you a number Star. I'm going to look them up tomorrow while I'm at work.

We have a Christmas tree that could use a good home.