11/29/12 Deep in the heart of Marshall County, a special group of youth volunteer and donate many hours of self-less service to members within and members outside of our community. This special group of youth volunteers is called the Marshall County American Red Cross Youth Group. Members of this special youth group possess two of the most important elements of success that is needed to help make our world a better place. These youth possess willing hearts and willing hands.
As one of the youth group’s service projects this holiday season, Marshall County American Red Cross Youth Group members Michael Bloomfield, Cody Deaton, Colton Dutcher, Kory Ellis, Skyler Estrom, Jaylan Hartwell, Cheyenne Himes, Kasper Kring, Evan Rhoads, and Alexis Rosas, along with their youth coordinators, are hosting a “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program to honor, support, and give thanks to our members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. The youth group would like to invite members of the community to donate signed Christmas cards for the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program, which will be held on December 1, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kroger store in Plymouth. Donations of signed Christmas cards should not contain letters, glitter, inserts, monetary donations, or personal contact information and should arrive without envelopes.
Christmas cards in need of signatures will also be available for signing for members of the community who are not able to provide cards of their own.
Community support for the Marshall County American Red Cross “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program has been good and the need for support continues. The Kroger store in Plymouth and the Walmart store in Plymouth have been gracious in providing sites for the program to be hosted. On November 24, between the hours of 10:00-1:00 p.m., the youth group hosted this year’s first “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program event at the Walmart store in Plymouth. Many members of the community came forth to participate in the program and by doing so they will help to make this Christmas brighter for many service members. The youth group has received donations of Christmas cards from Plymouth business merchantsCVS, Dollar General (Michigan St.), Dollar General (Kingston Rd.), K-Mart, and Walgreen’s. As of November 21, 2012, monetary donations for postage have been received from Auto Loan Builder, BP, Law Office of William L. Fortin, Uncle Doug’s Barbershop, L & K Serendipity, Xaver Cleaners, People’s Drugs, Cheryl Scarberry, and Terri Brandt-PTMC. Also, the Walmart store in Plymouth has donated a monetary contribution to the youth group for supplies. If you wish to donate boxes of Christmas cards for the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program or give monetary donations to help supply postage for the program, you may send donations to the Marshall County American Red Cross – “Holiday Mail for Heroes” at 215 W. Garro St., Plymouth, Indiana 46563 or call the office at 574-936-3928 Monday-Friday between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to arrange for a donation to be picked up. If you would like to make a general donation to help fund future service projects for the youth group, you may donate to the Marshall County American Red Cross Youth Group at the same office and address.
Through the “Holiday Mail for Heroes” program this holiday season, an opportunity exists to come together as a community to remember, honor, support, and give thanks to our nation’s military and veterans. The Marshall County American Red Cross Youth Group asks you to join them in showing these service members that the people of Marshall County remember them, care about them, and wish them a very merry Christmas!
The Marshall County American Red Cross Youth Group is open to youth between the ages of 8-18 who have a desire to help others and are willing to donate their time in giving service where needed. Membership is free. For more information, please contact Melinda at (574) 952-6076 or Sheree at (574) 540-7002 or call the Marshall County American Red Cross office at (574) 936-3928 between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and ask to speak to a youth coordinator.
Submitted By Sheree Moser to WTCA on 11-27-2012
