JBAB Chapel PWOC ensures service members, community have happy holidays

Photo By Michelle Gordon | Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Chaplain Kraig Smith helps JBAB Protestant Women of the Chapel group member, Jessie M. Jefferson, pack 100 turkeys, which were distributed to needy, military families as part of the PWOC outreach program.  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

11.18.2016

Story by Michelle Gordon 

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

By Michelle L. Gordon
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs

The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Protestant Women of the Chapel spent Nov. 14 wrapping 100 turkeys, which were distributed to needy, military families so they can feed their families on Thanksgiving.

This year marks the third year the PWOC donated turkeys to military families and group member, Jessie M. Jefferson, said this is the least they can do.

“I think this is something that is utterly necessary for those people who do not have the ability and the funds, and it would be very unfair of us not to share,” she said. “We are thankful that we are able to do this for them.”

In addition to donating turkeys, the JBAB PWOC does multiple service projects throughout the year, but they spend the holiday season focusing on giving back to women in particular. Last winter the group gave scarves to the women in JBAB barracks facilities. This year they are helping the local community.

“This year we are partnering with a local church off base doing a purse drive for a women’s shelter,” said Glenda McKinney, PWOC outreach coordinator. “We are collecting used purses and we will fill them with toiletries for women — hand lotion, toothbrushes, deodorant, tissues — something personal for the women. Each woman will be able to pick out the purse she wants.”

The purse drive will continue through Dec. 12. A donation box is located at the Main JBAB Chapel Center.

McKinney said doing for others is just something she was born to do.

“I was taught to give back,” she said. “I love to help other people in any way I can. Whether it’s donating something or cooking. I’ve always liked to do for others.”

• Date Taken: 11.18.2016
• Date Posted: 11.18.2016 10:15
• Story ID: 215115
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US