SAN ANGELO, Texas — The San Angelo Elks Lodge 1880, 2121 S. Chadbourne St., is hosting the "Home Away from Home" for active duty military members from Goodfellow Air Force Base who cannot go home for the holidays.
Sealy Flats was the original location for the event, but the last four years the San Angelo Elks Lodge has continued the tradition.
The Elks are asking for donations of gift cards (minimum $25), or other new items that can be used as appropriate gender, or neutral gifts, for the service members attending the event. A release from the Elks said, cash is always acceptable, and will be used to purchase additional gifts for the event.
"For most of these young military members, this will be their first time they have been away from home for the Christmas holiday. The holidays are a tough time to be away from your family and friends. Added to that tough time is that for many of these service members, they have just recently joined the military and are still adapting to a new way of life," the release said.
This year’s "Home Away from Home" event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Christmas Day at the San Angelo Elks Lodge. A traditional Christmas meal will be provided, along with gift(s) and games.
The Elks will accept gift cards or other gifts, through 6 p.m. Christmas Eve. Elks are also asking for desserts for that day. Desserts can be dropped off through noon Christmas Day.
The Elks Lodge is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This event is an opportunity for the San Angelo community to show its appreciation for the men and women serving in the armed forces.
If you would like to be part of the celebration and donate gifts, gift cards or desserts, call 325-227-6920.
