FORT HOOD, Texas--According to Bell County, Texas, statistics, the city of Killeen attributes to more than two percent of the homeless youth in the county.
Soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas take time to ensure those individuals receive better opportunities while giving back to the community itself.
Members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC), 1st Cavalry Division, provided routine repairs and supplies to the Central Texas Youth Services Option House in Killeen, Texas, March 10.
The Option House, a 15-bed shelter, provides 24/7 emergency shelter care, food, counseling, medical and dental screening, and independent living skills training at no cost to children and youth ages 3-17.
The average number of children at the Option House varies on the number of children in need of help, said Tracey Love, assistant director for the Option House. A certain amount of supplies are required to fill those needs.
"The main needs we have here at the house are daily supplies to include - light bulbs, paper towels, tissue and basic household supplies," she said.
"We want to do whatever we can do to assist the Option House fulfill those needs," said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Jackson, president of the 2nd BCT SAMC. "Giving back to the community is one of our missions in the SAMC."
The SAMC members provided the Option House with supplies, and replaced window shades, locks on doors and an air filter, explained Love, who hails from Montgomery, Ala.
"We wanted to focus on some things we could handle, obviously we are not plumbers or electricians," said Jackson. "We didn't want to get in over our heads with things we don't know about."
"I think it's great they come out to help us," said Love. "As a non-profit organization any help or donations we receive are a great gift."
Other work days, including a clothing and food drive are scheduled to be conducted by the 2nd BCT SAMC stated Jackson, from Louisville, Ky.
In addition to Jacksons group, other organizations on Fort Hood continue to
provide assistance to the Option House with Christmas toy drives and food donations, said Love.
To offer assistance or donations you may contact the Option house at 254-634-2085 or visit the website for a current "wish list": http://www.centraltexasyouthservices.org/emergency_shelter.htm
Social Sharing