SAILORS VOLUNTEER AND RAISE MONEY TO HELP LOCAL SHELTERS

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Bolibol | 160514-N-WR119-061 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 15, 2016) Logistics Specialist Seaman Dave Highfill (center), attached to Operational Support Unit 1914, washes dishes during the Marian House Soup Kitchen volunteer event. The Marian House has been serving people who are in need in downtown Colorado Springs since 1985. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert Bolibol/Released)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

05.15.2016

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Gilbert Bolibol 

Navy Reserve - Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

A group of 12 Sailors from OSU 1914 volunteered to help serve over 970 meals throughout the weekend at the Marian House Soup Kitchen, which provides free meals 365 days out of the year to people in need.

“The Marian House is in need of lots of volunteers to help their cause and assist the local Veteran population that come here for help,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jennifer Velting, who organized the volunteer event. “This was definitely worthwhile to help those in need.”

The FCPOA raised funds and donations for the Springs Rescue Mission (SRM) located in Colorado Springs. SRM provides pathways out of homelessness for everyone in the local area.

“The donated funds will easily feed 150 people,” said Tim Gore, Community Relations Director for the SRM. “We are building a 150 person shelter that will be for the chronically homeless and work together with the Marian House to help support the families in need.”
Gore estimates 10 percent of the homeless in Colorado Springs to be Veterans.

NOSC Fort Carson Sailors have also volunteered at the Waldo Canyon and Flying W Ranch restoration projects.

“This is a direct result of our First Class Petty Officers’ initiative to work together, recognize a need to be filled within our community and make it happen through team work,” said Construction Mechanic First Class John Mattive, President of NOSC Fort Carson First Class Petty Officer Association. “Our Sailors seek out these opportunities to provide the help where it is needed the most. I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve done for our local community.”

• Date Taken: 05.15.2016
• Date Posted: 05.18.2016 22:15
• Story ID: 198502
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: PUEBLO, CO, US