Each year we seem to find a Hero Family that could use some Christmas cheer.
We first met this Combat Army Veteran last year when a VFW Post contacted us about one of their members needing food assistance after the mother of his children suffered a medical emergency leaving him to work full time and take care of his three children. Just prior to this incident, this Hero adopted three of his sister’s children.
The Woods n Water crew showed up with food to stock up their pantry and gave his house a good cleaning. The Veteran did what he was trained to do…. he improvised, adapted and has been overcoming the situation. But, life decided to throw another challenge at him. Now he has moved his mother in and she has two children from the Veteran’s sister. Bringing the total headcount of children to EIGHT!!!
Then, Catholic Charities sent us a Woods n Water Food Pantry request for an Air Force Veteran single mother having (2) children living with her that was just recently housed. Upon our arrival, we noticed that they did not have any furniture and many other household items. Just days before Christmas, with a passion from one of our volunteers, we implemented part two of Mission: Secret Santa and were able to bring this family presents from the WnW Santa.
All of this was done as a group effort from the Woods n Water Family, Gloucester County Toys for Tots (George Purkins) and the community. From donating monetarily, to in-kind donations, to shopping, to wrapping the presents.