ENCINITAS — The Encinitas Coastal Rotary helped pilot a Family Fun Bags project for the Military Outreach Ministry (MOM4USA).
Rotary members loaded bags with holiday décor and holiday-themed goodies to help families at Camp Pendleton to enjoy between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
“Every year we provide military families using our year-round food program with a little something extra at the holidays, said retired Commander Faye Bell, chief executive, Officer of Ministry. “This year we are focusing our efforts around the idea of having a good old-fashioned family holiday. The holiday food bags provide young families with holiday food items to create a memorable meal as well as tree trimming decorations and other holiday treats to engage the family in spending time together.”
Family-friendly DVDs, holiday story books, board games, popcorn, candy canes and hot cocoa were among the items gathered and packaged by the Encinitas Rotary and included in the bags, meant to show thanks and gratitude for the entire family’s service, Bell said.
They also gave away 300 live Christmas trees, toys to military families with special needs dependents, Baby Care packages to expectant parents and will work with local corporations to distribute gifts such as free clothes and shoes from Osiris shoes, a Carlsbad company.
MOM4USA is entering its 10th year serving military families in our community. The organization serves more than 50,000 each year through the efforts of our community partners and volunteers. MOM4USA gives the community an outlet to show appreciation to our troops and their families.
For information, e-mail Faye Bell at [email protected] or visit mom4usa.org.
