BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Christmas can be difficult for those who aren't with us, such as military members overseas.
But one Blair County organization has been helping brighten the spirits of those deployed since 2011.
Military Families Ministries in Bellwood has shipped tens of thousands of Christmas stockings around the world.
The group isn't letting the pandemic prevent them from shipping more goodies this year.
Organizers are collecting donations of snacks, drink mixes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc., to fill the stockings.
All donations are tax deductible and due on Nov. 30.
“[For] many of the the deployed service members, this could be their first deployment,” says President of Military Families Ministry Tracie Ciambotti. “It could be their first Christmas away from home, and family and friends. So, it really is just a different time for them, where they know their families are gathering at home and they’re not part of that.”
Organizers hope to have the majority of the stockings packed before Thanksgiving to allow for safe social distancing.
The packing will take place at the Hope Center in Bellwood.
Groups of packing volunteers will be reduced in size, and worked in shifts, to allow as many as possible to help.
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