Army Community Service gathers donations to feed Army families

Photo By Spc. Naveed Ali Shah | An Army Community Service volunteer accepts a cartful of canned food donations during the Army Community Service Food Drive, Nov. 20, at the Clear Creak Commissary.  

FORT HOOD, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

11.21.2008

Story by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah 

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

By Pfc. Naveed Ali Shah
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

FORT HOOD, Texas - Army Community Service and Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), gathered donations of food and money, Nov. 21, at the Clear Creek and Warrior Way Commissaries to help feed needy Army families during this holiday season.

Dozens of volunteers on Fort Hood, and hundreds more at locations off-post, helped solicit donations from customers. Some customers donated food in the form of canned goods or other groceries, while others offered cash donations.

"This is the first year that ACS is taking part in the food drive," said an ACS representative. "We're able to feed hundreds of families here on Fort Hood thanks to these donations."

There's no doubt that the foods drive would not be a success if it were not for the volunteers who donated their time to this noble cause.

"I get a lot of clients who need assistance or just food and we refer them to ACS," said Sgt. 1st Class Olivia Brown, command financial specialist, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th ESC, "We refer so many Soldiers and their families to ACS that it feels good to give back."

It is not always easy for a CFS to aid Soldiers and families because their problems may be too complex to deal with at their level.

"The hardest thing is when we can't help a Soldier," said Brown. "But I encourage all Soldiers to talk to their command, come talk to a CFS, they'll lead you in the right direction."

This holiday season donating time, money, or simply a can of food could go a long way, not just for those who will receive the aid, but also for those who give a piece of themselves to help others.

Brown said, "It's a wonderful feeling to volunteer and just having everybody come out and help."

• Date Taken: 11.21.2008
• Date Posted: 11.24.2008 15:10
• Story ID: 26746
• Location: FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US