By 2nd Lt. Ernest Bernal
FORT BLISS, Texas - In an effort to help those in need and support the local community, soldiers from A Battery, 2nd Battalion Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, delivered clothes they collected to the El Paso Center Against Family Violence July 25.
This delivery was the culmination of the battery’s three-and-a-half-month clothing drive aimed at providing aid to this center, which gives much need assistance to victims of domestic violence in the community.
It is important to help those in need and repay the citizens of El Paso for their continuous support and hospitality, said Capt. Steven Rachamim, the battery’s commander.
One way the center helps is by collecting everyday items including clothes, shoes, diapers, towels, personal care items and linens. Families who are victims of domestic violence often move into temporary safe houses and use these items while the center helps them cope with their domestic issues.
“Domestic violence is not always a visible issue, but we must acknowledge it and we must support our great El Paso community,” said Rachamim, who initiated the clothing drive.
These families are the same people that soldiers pass by at the supermarket or mall without a second glance. They are the people that serve our soldiers at restaurants during their lunch break or work in the local stores, banks and hospitals throughout the El Paso community.
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Parker, a squad leader in the battery’s launcher platoon, said he donated clothes to the drive because it was “in support of the unit’s initiative for each soldier to help the cause.”
For the past three months, the battery’s soldiers committed themselves to giving thanks for the support shown by the El Paso community to the military and Fort Bliss by collecting clothes and other items for the center. In all, they donated a truckload of clothing, children’s toys, linens and kitchen appliances. These donated items will go on to serve a greater purpose, like helping a family get back on their feet, rather than sitting around in a garage or over-stuffed closet.
When domestic violence occurs, family members can contact this center for assistance and can begin staying at one of the center’s safe houses where they are supplied with donated goods.
If anyone is interested in making a contribution to the Center Against Family Violence, visit their website at www.cafv.org/donate to find local drop-off locations.
| Date Taken: |
07.25.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
08.08.2011 17:59 |
| Story ID: |
75058 |
| Location: |
FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: |
88 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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