As the holiday season envelops Fort Hood, many find their hearts full with the spirit of giving. This holds especially true for Sgt. James Sowell, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 11th Corps Signal Brigade, the head coordinator for 11th CSB’s donation drive collecting toys for the Baylor Scott and White McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple.
“Christmas is the time of showing appreciation to others,” Sowell explained. “We already do Operation People First here, but I’ve always been raised to put others before myself long before I came to Fort Hood.”
This project began in early November, when Sowell was trying to find a place to donate the unit’s extra Halloween candy. While reaching out to the children’s hospital, he was informed they weren’t able to accept candy due to the children’s strict diets.
“I’ve always been passionate about doing children’s charities, so I asked her, ‘What can I do for you?’ She told me they have a toy drive, but it was probably too late in the year.” With a determined tone, Sowell continued. “With my personality and the way I am, I was like: challenge accepted.”
This drive was the first Sowell had taken the lead on, but it was not the first event he had participated in.
“I’ve been to some of the children’s hospitals, and I’ve seen these kids that are facing death.” Sowell said. “I’ve seen how brave they are and how they look up to people like us as heroes.”
The end goal for the unit’s donation drive is to bring happiness to these children by ensuring each of them get something for Christmas.
“Some of these children are dying …” Sowell elaborated. “They’re facing things that I would never want to face at that age, when they should be out playing. Even just for a second, if we can make a child smile by giving them a toy, that’s all that matters.”
Donations are actively being accepted until Dec. 15 in the 11th CSB HQ, located at Bldg. 39048 on Support Avenue. On Dec. 16, the brigade will convoy to the Baylor Scott and White McLane Children’s Medical Hospital to drop off all donations.
“I don’t know how many children are there, but the more we have to help, the better.” Sowell shared. “We’re trying to get a wide variety to make sure every child, no matter how old they are, gets something for Christmas.”
The hospital is encouraging all donations and highlighted priority items such as infant play mats, multicultural action figures or dolls, journals, LEGO sets for teenagers and UNO games.
“Please donate, we need your help. The children need your help. It’s not for me. It’s not for the Soldiers. This is for kids.” Sowell said. “They didn’t ask to be sick. They’re not asking for toys. But I’m sure they would appreciate any help that you could give them.”
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2021 15:50 |
| Story ID: | 410353 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 11th CSB hosts toy drive for hospital, by CPL Kyra Pearl, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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