Every Christmas and Valentine’s Day the Military Moms Prayer Group ships gift packages to the troops to let them know that they are not forgotten. The gift drives – now known as Holidays for Heroes – have generated an avalanche of community support, with donations of food and gift items from throughout Vero Beach. Local elementary school children have contributed hundreds of handmade cards. Since 2006, more than 5,500 packages have reached the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the holidays, thanks to this community-wide outreach.
HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES 2011
The Military Moms Prayer Group is holding its 6th annual “Holidays for Heroes” drive to ship packages to U.S. troops in the war zones.
“We need to make sure our servicemen and women know they are not forgotten at this special time of year.” - Joyce Desrosiers, Coordinator, Holidays for Heroes
There are three simple ways you can help:
PICK UP, FILL AND MAIL A HOLIDAY BOX YOURSELF – THE MOST POPULAR
CHOICE BECAUSE YOU CAN PERSONALIZE YOUR BOX
Inside each box will be a list of suggested items for the troops. Each box is preaddressed with customs papers filled out to a service person in a war zone. That individual is our contact person and will distribute the box to those not receiving mail. This is your chance to have the best holiday you will ever have. It’s so much fun to go shopping and fill the box. Personalize the box by writing a letter and putting in a holiday ornament. Be sure to include your e-mail address or return mailing address in the box. You never know – one of our heroes may have a chance to write back and you’ll get a response. The cost for mailing the box at the post office will be $12.95.
You can pick up a box at any of these locations:
Eye Clinic of Vero & Optical Boutique, 632 21st St. (Miracle Mile Plaza), VB
Barker Electric Air Conditioning & Heating, 1936 Commerce Ave., VB
Visage Hair and Nail Designs, 493 22nd Place, (behind Vero Beach Book Center), VB
Zeran Jewelers, 630 21st St. (Miracle Mile Plaza), VB
Classic Car Wash, 852 21st St. (and U.S. #1) VB
Sebastian Realty, 1329 US Hwy. #1, Sebastian
Anytime Fitness, 9360 90th Ave. #105, Sebastian
Corey’s Pharmacy, 2912 Ocean Drive, VB
Community Church, 1901 23rd St., VB
Christ Church Vero Beach, 927 14th Lane (behind Outback and beside Vero Bowl), VB
Victory Center, NEW Veterans Council storefront at the Indian River Mall (between Macy’s and Food court on the north side), VB
Hale Groves River Market in Vero Beach (2207 7th Avenue near Miracle Mile) is one of more than a dozen businesses and churches in Indian River County that are participating in the Military Moms Prayer Group's 6th Annual Holidays for Heroes gift-box drive for the troops. Alex Brown (right), Executive Vice President of Hale Groves, stands next to a display featuring Army Spc. Daniel Dumas, from Vero Beach.
DROP OFF ITEMS FOR THE MILITARY MOMS TO MAIL FOR YOU.
Go shopping and pick up some food and gift items from the “Idea List” (available at any of the locations above and below). The Military Moms Prayer Group will mail these for you. You can drop off the items at the following locations:
Eye Clinic of Vero & Optical Boutique, 632 21st St. (Miracle Mile Plaza), VB
Hale Groves River Market, 2207 7th Ave. (next to Miracle Mile Plaza), VB
Health South Treasure Coast Rehab Hospital, 1600 37th St., VB
MAKE A DONATION BY CHECK OR CASH.
This money will help the Military Moms Prayer Group pay for postage and mailing supplies. We are an organization run entirely by volunteers. If you wish to donate, please make out a check to the Military Moms Prayer Group, Inc. You can either mail the check to Military Moms Prayer Group, P.O. Box 643511, Vero Beach, FL 32964 or bring a check or cash to the Eye Clinic of Vero & Optical Boutique, 632 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
The Military Moms Prayer Group is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit corporation and can offer a receipt for tax purposes if needed. The group is also registered as a charity in the State of Florida (#CH34425). As per Florida regulations, a copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
Questions? Call: 772-567-6513
HAVE THE BEST HOLIDAY YOU’LL EVER EXPERIENCE BY GIVING WITHOUT EXPECTING IN RETURN.
IT’S EASY TO GIVE WHEN TIMES ARE GOOD – IT’S HEAVENLY TO GIVE WHEN TIMES ARE HARD!!!!
The Top Ten Treats Our Troops Want Most
Powdered drink mixes (lemonade, Gatorade, Tang, hot chocolate)
Nuts (mixed nuts, peanuts, trail mix, microwave popcorn)
Peanut butter (in individual packets)
Dried fruit/raisins
Wet wipes or baby wipes
Protein bars and granola bars
Meat products (Beef jerky/Slim Jims; canned or foil-wrapped tuna, chicken, corned beef)
Rahmen noodles
Visa or Mastercard Gift Cards
Socks (white)
Biblical Blessings: Holidays for Heroes 2011
Every box shipped to the troops from the Military Moms Prayer Group in time for Christmas and Chanukah this year will contain not only donated goodies and cards handmade by local children, but also a copy of Psalm 91, the “Soldiers Prayer,” printed by an anonymous donor. The American Bible Society contributed military Bibles and copies of the booklet, “God is Our Shelter,” endorsed by the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish chaplains of the Armed Forces. Click here to find out about the American Bible Society’s Military Ministry
