Preparation in place for Christmas for Vets

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By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Living With A Cause, with Mike Gifford as founder and John D. Foster, Sr. as program director, are gearing up for the 2015 Christmas Program which will be held at the Friends Center to honor our veterans, their families and the fallen.

Foster said the Christmas Program is about actively showing support and honor to United States veterans.

“With our veterans, it seems, that when we are in parades, we wave our flags and clap our hands, and show our appreciation to all of them, and that is wonderful,” Foster said. “But a lot of them need more than that, they need a hand up. They need a helping hand, and that is what we are here for and that is what our Christmas Program is all about. We want to honor our veterans for all of their sacrifices.”

According to Foster, the program is in memory of Lance Cpl. Jonathan E. Etterling, of Wheelersburg, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. Etterling and 29 other Marines were on a mission when the C-53E Helicopter they were flying in was shot down, all 30 Marines were killed.

Foster said the veterans will be honored with a nice hot Christmas Dinner. They will also be presented with a specially made medal to thank them for their service. The widows and widowers of veterans will receive a medal in memory of their fallen soldier.

Veterans in need of a helping hand will receive a food basket and toys for their children for their Christmas at home. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present at the event to greet the children and present them with a gift.

Veterans can pick up an application at the Fifth Third Bank in Wheelersburg or Portsmouth, and the Mayor’s office in the Community Center in New Boston. Applicants are asked to following the instructions and provide the items listed on the application. All applications, along with the listed items must be mailed by Nov. 22, 2015, to the address provided on the application.

Anyone who desires to contribute to this effort for veterans may do so by sending a Christmas donation to: Christmas For Vets 2015 – PO Box 102 – Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694. For more information visit the website vetsonthestreets.com, or contact Gifford or Foster at 740-574-6621.

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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