by Judy Hartman Alexander

Even in the worst of economic times, 100 First Coast children will have an extra special Christmas, thanks to the generosity of employees at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) and the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

FRCSE employees support the community throughout the year with blood drives, food drives, and donations to Toys for Tots. This year the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program was added to the list. What started out as a ripple turned into a tidal wave of donations, with more than 20 new bicycles for children from toddlers to teens. Toys, clothing, shoes, games and all the gifts you would find on a child’s wish list were purchased by personnel at FRCSE who want to make sure their special Angels have a great Christmas.

FRCSE employees initially adopted 20 Angels. Once the word got out, those angels were gone in minutes, but the workforce was hungry for more. The phones started ringing and 60 more were adopted. Staff members at Cecil Commerce Center were also in the spirit of giving and 20 more were quickly adopted, totaling 100 Special Angels. Some Angels were adopted by individuals and others were adopted by groups but all the employees were moved with the realization of the difference they were making in a child’s Christmas.

FRCSE Executive Officer Capt. Paul Sohl knows first hand the great job the workforce does everyday to support the Warfighter and their commitment to supporting the community. “I'm amazed at the continuing generosity of FRCSE's workforce in these tough economic times--it's unbelievably heartwarming to see it in action. The Salvation Army asked us to help a group of very deserving children, who would otherwise have no presents to open on Christmas day. When we said, ‘We'll do it!’ the Pacesetters really stepped up to the plate. What a GREAT group of folks we have!”

Due to the overwhelming kindness of the employees at FRCSE, the Salvation Army was contacted, requesting their biggest truck for pick-up. Many children on the First Coast will now have a great Christmas thanks to the workforce at FRCSE and the Salvation Army.

CAPTIONS:

Photo 1
From left, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast employee Leevine Everett helps Salvation Army workers load the truck with gifts for the Salvation Army Angels.

Photo 2
From left, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) Commanding Officer Capt. Tim Matthews and Executive Officer Capt. Paul Sohl are surrounded by the mountain of gifts FRCSE employees donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program.

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