Recently, the city of Fayetteville, N.C.'s, "Fayetteville Cares," announced a community project called Operation Holiday Cheer that will send holiday packages to 15,000 Ft. Bragg soldiers and Pope AFB airmen deployed oversees during December 2009. Operation Holiday Cheer continues the community's long-standing tradition of supporting soldiers and their families. Last year's community event "Boots and Booties: The World's Largest Military Baby Shower" provided gifts of support and thanks to 1000 pregnant military spouses and service members.
"Being away from your family and other loved ones over the December holiday is tough," said Joanne Chavonne, Co-Founder of Fayetteville Cares. "Sending each solider or airman a package ensures that they know that their larger community family appreciates their service and sacrifice."
Care package sign up will be available starting August 15th on the Fayetteville Cares web site (www.fayettevillecares.org). Community volunteers will pack boxes the week of November 9, 2009. Each box will contain 10-12 items including a personal note from someone in the community as well as instructions on how to register in a sweepstakes to win a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt.
To help offset the expense of this project a raffle will be held for an additional 2010 Chevrolet vehicle to raise funds for the project. Tickets will be sold for $5.00 each beginning August 15, 2009 until October 3, 2009. Drawing will be held November 13, 2009.
There are many opportunities for those interested in supporting the event to participate. Individuals or businesses can, sponsor a box for $25; buy a raffle ticket; write a note to be included in the box; or help pack boxes. Volunteers can sign up at the Fayetteville Cares website (www.fayettevillecares.org)
"The city of Fayetteville and surrounding communities have a long history of supporting the military," said Col. Stephen J. Sicinski, Garrison Commander of Fort Bragg. "The citizens here understand the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of our service members because we are neighbors, families and friends."
Fayetteville Cares' event partners to date include Junior League of Fayetteville; Army's Army; Braxton Bragg Chapter of AUSA; USO of North Carolina and the City of Fayetteville. The sponsors to date for this event include Fayetteville Cares; Carolina Chevy Dealers; The Fayetteville Observer; Food Lion; Cumberland County Crown Center; Kidsville News/Up & Coming Weekly; UPS stores of Fayetteville and the Weather Brothers.
"The commitment of our partners and generous support of our sponsors for this event is a direct reflection of this community's commitment to caring for our military neighbors at Fort Bragg and Pope AF Base," remarked Kirk deViere, Chairman of Fayetteville Cares.
For more information please visit: www.fayettevillecares.org.
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