By Kathy L. Collins
You can show your support for our deployed troops by making them handmade holiday and general occasion cards at the 6th Annual Cards For Troops co-sponsored by Center Place and the Community Roundtable. Cards For Troops will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center Place located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon.
Members of the community 16 years and older can come together to assemble 2,000 cards this year. All cards are left blank so that the troops can fill them out and send them to family and friends.
Children under 16 can show their gratitude for the troops by registering to attend Holiday Cards For Troops Kids’ Night. This will be held on Wednesday, September 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Center Place. Children, ages eight to 15, will create hand-crafted thank you notes and can write a personal note. The event is free but space is limited. You must register by Friday, September 20.
Susan Saunders, chair of Cards For Troops said, “This year we are going to make some general occasion cards in addition to holiday cards so that all soldiers will have cards to send home.” Saunders added, “Last year we added the kids’ event. The Kids’ Cards were really heartwarming. Kids write their own message in the cards. They thank the troops for their service in their own words and in their own handwriting.”
Dianna Galia, Public Relations Coordinator for Center Place said, “Center Place is an organization that supports all members of the community, especially the troops. It is important to give back to those who give so much to protect our country. This event is one thing we can do to support our troops during the holiday season when they cannot be surrounded by family.”
There are many ways that you can help with this wonderful event. You can come out and help assemble the cards. No experience is necessary. You can make a donation to help offset the cost of materials and postage. And, if you know the names and full addresses of any soldiers deployed, please contact Susan Saunders at Center Place at 685-8888.
For more information on the 6th Annual Cards For Troops and the Holiday Cards For Troops Kids’ Night, please visit www.www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888
