By Sarah Bultema
The Reporter-Herald
Sleigh bells jingled and Christmas lights twinkled as members of the community signed holiday cards for people they'd never met.
“I just said 'thank you and stay safe,'” said Berthoud's Toni Miller.
Setting up a booth at last weekend's Holiday Festival Craft Show at The Ranch, the Marine Corps League Auxiliary Loveland Sweetheart Unit offered blank holiday cards to be signed for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Dec. 8, as part of Operation Holiday Joy, the greetings will be placed into goody-filled stockings and mailed to soldiers overseas.
“I think the holidays are probably the hardest to be away from home,” said Debbie Pierson, president of the local organization. As a mother of a soldier and a daughter and widow of Marines, Pierson understands how hard these times can be for them.
“I think when they get a package from home it alleviates that a little bit.”
The Marine Corps League Auxiliary Loveland Sweetheart Unit was started locally last year by Pierson and other women directly related to a Marine.
Now 18-strong, the group aims to serve the community and support the Marines Corps.
“The saying goes 'once a Marine, always a Marine,'” Pierson said. “That includes family members.”
Operation Holiday Joy is one of their largest fundraisers, last year sending hundreds of cards and stockings to soldiers of all military branches.
“I think as a community our views on the war are immaterial. It's our brothers and sons and sisters and wives that we need to remember,” Pierson said.
“The support of the community — not just Loveland but the United States — is very important for our troops.”
And those attending the craft fair Friday seemed to agree.
“Have a nice year and hope you have a happy holiday,” wrote 13-year-old Tyler Rinard of Longmont, who was volunteering with Operation Holiday Joy through the Young Marines.
Rinard thought it was important to sign a card to help the troops “feel more happy and try to make them feel safer over there.”
Other greetings included “May God bless you and keep you safe” and “Thank you for our freedom.”
Soon these cards will be stuffed in red and white stockings along with donated items — including shampoo, yo-yos, beef jerky, disposable cameras and other gifts — to spread a little joy among the troops overseas. While it was hard for the recipients of last year's gifts to respond, Pierson said those who could said they were thankful.
“I think that they just like the fact that they're being supported back home,” she said.
The group is still collecting donated items and cash to help pay the $8.95 postage it costs to send each package.
“We could not do this without the support of the community,” Pierson said. “There is no way 18 women could do it alone.”
And the group is always looking for new members, as well, who could help execute Operation Holiday Joy in the years to come.
“Marines always say they're 'looking for a few good men,'” Pierson said.
“Well, we're looking for a few good women for this.”
ON THE NET: For more information about donations or membership, call 667-6014 or visit www.semperfi.lovelandnet.com/auxiliary.htm
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| Leila Russell of Fort Collins takes a moment to write a message in a holiday card to troops Friday at the Marine Corps League Auxiliary booth during the Holiday Festival Craft Show at The Ranch. Reporter-Herald/Jenny Sparks |
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Donations sought
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The Marine Corps League Auxiliary Loveland Sweetheart Unit is seeking donated items that will be sent in stockings to troops serving overseas. Items include:
• Personal items: razors, small shaving cream, deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, sun block and lip balm. • Food items: sweetened powdered drink mixers, canned or dried fruit, microwave popcorn, hard candy, granola bars, cookies, gum, nuts and chips. • Fun, games and practical items: balloons, squirt guns, DVDs, travel games, magazines, dominoes, international phone cards, pocket hand warmers, paper and envelopes. • Cash donations are also accepted and will help pay for postage. • Please note: The organization cannot send items including glass, colored socks, pork, alcohol, tobacco or pornographic materials. Donations can be dropped off by Dec. 7 at the Associated Vets Club, 305 N. Cleveland Ave. |