9/25/08

Soldiers' Angels make sure no soldier is forgotten, especially for holidays

by Beckye Randall

As we begin to settle into fall, it’s certain that the holidays aren’t very far away. One question we’re often asked is how to reach out to members of the armed services for Christmas. Sending gifts and cards to those on active duty in foreign lands is a small gesture that can mean a lot to the soldiers so far from home.

Soldiers’ Angels is a nationwide nonprofit organization with local volunteers who send letters, care packages and comfort items to the deployed, and support their families here at home. The organization also provides assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen, and immediate response to unique difficulties.

Shelley Travis, a Marysville resident, is a community team leader for Soldiers’ Angels. The group is already working on its largest annual project, the holiday effort named “Wrapped in Holiday Spirit.”

“180,000 packages are a lot to get together,” said Travis. That’s how many troops will be stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan over the coming holiday season.

Handmade “Blankets of Belief” form the heart of the Soldiers’ Angels holiday care packages for the 2008 season.

These special blankets, handmade by volunteers, are designed to assure America's service men and women that somebody back home labored over a handmade blanket with love and belief in them. Along with the blanket, each care package includes a collection of snacks, a stainless steel travel mug, socks, and a holiday card with a personal note of thanks and support.

Soldiers’ Angels also facilitates a more personalized program which allows a volunteer to “adopt” a member of the military. Travis has adopted a soldier stationed in Iraq, and sends special packages and cards to him on a regular basis.

Peggy McKay, another local volunteer with the group, said, “I joined Soldiers’ Angels about a year ago and have been writing and sending care packages to a soldier in Aphganistan for this entire year, and will until her tour of duty ends.”

The group plans a fundraiser at the Tulalip Walmart on October 25 and 26 to collect donations for the holiday mailings.

Soldiers’ Angels offers other opportunities for involvement, from a one-time event to a long-term commitment. Check out the Web site at www.soldiersangels.org for more information, or contact Shelley Travis at (360) 653-5130 or by e-mail at ctlwa07@gmail.com.

 

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