SAN ANGELO, Texas — For more than a decade, the San Angelo community has held the "Home Away from Home" event for soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base that can’t be home with their families on Christmas Day.
This is the sixth year the San Angelo Elks Lodge #1880 has hosted the event.
According to an Elks Lodge press release, for most of these young military members, they have just recently joined the military and are still adapting to a new way of life, making this the first time they have been away from home for the Christmas holiday.
The organization is asking for donations of gift cards (minimum $25), or other new items that can be used as appropriate gender, or neutral gifts, for the servicemembers attending the event. Cash is always acceptable and will be used to purchase additional gifts for the event.
A traditional Christmas meal will be provided for them along with gifts and games. The San Angelo Lions helped with some of the expenses and Lions Club members from across San Angelo have committed to volunteering at the event.
The Elks Lodge is currently seeking additional partners to help with the meal and the gifts.
Gifts or food can be delivered by 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 24, to the Elks Lodge, 2121 S. Chadbourne St. The lodge is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Desserts are especially welcome, because they can be taken back to the base to be shared or eaten later.
If you would like to be part of this celebration and donate gifts, gift cards or food, please call 325-227-6920.
