LORTON, Va. (Nov. 25, 2014) -- The holiday spirit is alive and well, thanks to the Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
Twelve Soldiers from the 289th Military Police Company, volunteered to help the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) assemble and distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to the local community.
LCAC is a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide low-income individuals, senior citizens and families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, Newington and other portions of southeast Fairfax County with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves.
"It is an absolute honor to have Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) here to help us during this busy holiday season," said Linda Patterson, LCAC executive director. "We know what they do every day and it's great that they took their personal time to give us a helping hand."
According to Patterson, LCAC serves an average of 260 families each week; 45 are service members and their families in the Fairfax County area, which works out to be 17% of their distribution.
"The holidays are what bring us together, and as Soldiers and Military Police we need to build relationships and help lift up our community," said Sgt. 1st Class David J. Parthemore, 289th Military Police Company platoon sergeant. "This event started as a simple food drive within the platoon but grew into much more when I saw just how real the need for help truly is."
The Soldiers helped by stocking the LCAC food pantry with donated food from the local community, prepared individual food baskets and carried the baskets to the recipient's vehicles.
"I was so impressed by the willingness of the Soldiers to do whatever needed to be done," said Patterson. "No task was too small, nor too difficult tonight as we served nearly 100 families. I am grateful they chose to spend their evening at LCAC helping families in need. They helped many have a happy Thanksgiving!"
"I could not have been more pleased with outcome of this event," said Parthemore. "Every single Soldier here tonight worked a full shift today in support of the Law Enforcement Mission on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, but still showed up here ready to work in any capacity needed. This was the first time that we have volunteered at the Lorton Community Action Center, but it will not be the last."
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