Community partners with VFW Post 8095 to support troops

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June 30, 2009

Anonymous The Suwannee Democrat Tue Jun 30, 2009, 07:44 AM EDT

By Cecil Davis

The people of Hamilton County sent packages containing photos, drawings, and personal notes in addition to a vast array of snack food, candies, magazines and even gifts for local children to soldiers and airmen in Afghanistan recently. VFW Post 8095 Commander Lamar Royals said there would not have been nearly so many boxes without the generous donation of items by two different schools and the public. Thanks to the combined efforts of Beta Clubs members, sponsor Beth Burnam, and faculty and staff of North Hamilton Elementary School, the 4-H Club of the Jennings First Christian Church School as well as the generosity of other Hamilton County citizens, 52 packages were sent to deployed soldiers and airmen. “The donations were unusually generous considering the difficult economic times we’re in,” said Royals.

Each package was unique and contained personal notes, photos of Hamilton County wild flowers and country roads, and letters and pictures from school children.

“We do a lot of things well here in Hamilton County,” Post Commander Royals said, “but this was an unusual combination of donors, and we are all so appreciative of everything that was given.”

“The drawings and notes from the children are always enjoyed,” Royals added. “They did an outstanding job of getting the items the soldiers want and like.” New toys and games were also donated so that the soldiers could given them to Afghan children.

A note received by Cecil Davis just this week from one of the soldiers read, “I would like to start by thanking you, the people of Hamilton County and the VFW, your churches and everyone else there who contributed in any way with these care packages. They are so very much appreciated.” the soldier went on, “It makes it a little easier here knowing there are people like you who care to do whatever it is you can for us. I thank you. The appreciation here is high!”