By Scott Harvey
Greenville – The Hunt County Disabled American Veterans Chapter is asking for your help this holiday season in sending items to service members overseas.
The Chapter is teaming with Celeste ISD to gather non-perishable snacks and greeting cards for the men and women aboard the USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and the Special Hugs hospital group in Afghanistan.
Chapter Commander John Turner says it's a special thing for a service member to know they're on the minds of the public back home.
"I've spent a lot of Christmases away from home, Thanksgivings, missed birthdays and just knowing that someone knows you're out there, it's a tremendous feeling. It really is," said Turner.
So far, three pickup trucks worth of items have been donated and transported to Celeste High School, according to Turner. The packing and shipping of all items will take place at the High School on Monday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Turner says he's impressed by the all the young students' willingness to help out.
"They say, 'we just want to do something for those guys over there. We see how bad it is on TV and hear how bad it is and we want to help'," Turner said. "When you get kids in elementary school that want to help, you've got a tornado on your hands. It's very contagious and they don't know when to quit."
To learn more or how to get involved, you can contact Commander Turner at 903-217-7127.
Hear Scott Harvey's full interview with Commander Turner during Friday's installment of The Lead, beginning at 10 a.m.