FORT GORDON, Ga. (Oct. 10, 2014) - The military community is known for taking care of its own, especially during times of need. For many families, that time is the holiday season.
The community has an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of military families through the annual Fort Gordon Unit Ministry Teams Holiday Gift Card Program. Each chapel service will have a designated offering on Sunday to collect funds for the program.
"It's the congregation's opportunity to help as many families as they can through the holiday season," said Maj. Herman Cheatham, chaplain resource manager, Religious Support Office.
All of the money collected will be given to service members and their families in the form of a $50 commissary gift card to be used for purchasing holiday meals.
Service members must be nominated to receive a gift card. Priority will go to E-5 and below with dependents, but E-6 and above will be considered with justification.
Anybody can nominate a service member by going through the service member's chain of command or chaplain. Approved gift card recipients will be notified, and brigade UMTs will distribute them during regular duty hours from Nov. 17 to Nov. 21, giving the family ample time to shop for their preferred holiday meal.
"Some people have family come in and help with the food during one of the holidays, or they go out of town," Cheatham said. "This gives the family freedom to decide whether to use during Thanksgiving or Christmas."
Last year, $23,250 was collected resulting in 465 gift cards distributed to Fort Gordon families. Cheatham said he hopes the community will be just as generous this year.
"Our goal is $25,000-plus," he said.
Anyone who wishes to donate is encouraged to attend a chapel service on Sunday or give a donation to a trusted person who can place it in the offering plate. Another option is to bring a donation to the RSO.
Cheatham reflected on his military career and remembers facing hard times. Now that he's in a better place financially, he feels passionate about giving back and encourages others to do the same.
"People have blessed my family by giving, and now that I am able to give, I like to do the same thing ... for the sake of helping out and thinking outside of ourselves," Cheatham said.
For the service members and their families who could use assistance but are hesitant to speak up, Cheatham advises they put aside their pride or whatever is getting in the way of asking.
"There's help out there," he said. "Some people are out there looking for opportunities, and this is just one of many programs that offer assistance to our Soldiers and their families."
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