ECRC donates stuffing to the ASYMCA Thanksgiving Assistance Program

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

11.15.2013

Story by Chief Petty Officer Mary Popejoy 

Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center

NORFOLK, Va. - Sailors from Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) put the old adage of “it’s better to give than to receive” into action Nov. 15 when they delivered 80 boxes of stuffing to the Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association (ASYMCA) of Hampton Roads “Thanksgiving Assistance Program.”

“We are VERY grateful for ECRC’s donation because it will provide the best part of the meal to 80 families in Hampton Roads,” said Juanita Pryor, ASYMCA of Hampton Roads director of financial development, public relations and communication.

The stuffing will be included in the Thanksgiving in a Box provided by the ASYMCA of Hampton Roads to junior enlisted personnel. Each box will contain stuffing, potatoes, gravy, corn, beans, yams, cranberries, pumpkin bread mix, and a turkey certificate for a free turkey.

Annually, the ASYMCA of Hampton Roads receives over 1,000 requests for assistance. Requests are generated by military commands and forwarded to the ASYMCA of Hampton Roads.
With the help of ECRC, local commands, and donations, the ASYMCA of Hampton Roads will provide 650 turkeys and more than 8,000 food items to service members this Thanksgiving season.

“It’s a good feeling to know that our donation coupled with the donations of others will help many of our junior enlisted brothers and sisters have a great Thanksgiving with their families,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Chris Videau, ECRC’s “Thanksgiving Assistance Program” coordinator.

The opportunity to give back in such a way reminds those with a little more rank and a little bit more in their paychecks of what it was like to be a junior sailor and how important it is to contribute to a program that makes a positive impact on our military families.

“I remember when I was young and new to the Navy and living paycheck to paycheck, so I definitely understand what it’s like for a junior Sailor with a family trying to make ends meet,” said ECRC Command Master Chief Steve Timmons. “It's hard to make ends meet in this economy, and it's even harder to go above and beyond for a special occasion such as Thanksgiving. I hope this contribution can help junior military members and their families celebrate Thanksgiving with a little more ease,” said Timmons.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food; it’s about finding that right moment to make a difference in someone’s life.

“Give thanks for your blessings, give back when you can, and pay it forward as often as you can because there’s always someone who relies on organizations like the ASYMCA to make their holiday meals possible,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Alan Manlapaz, ECRC Supply Department.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2013
• Date Posted: 11.19.2013 15:49
• Story ID: 117026
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US