Holiday House
Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 4:57 pm
by Heather Clark, Courier staffFort Campbell’s Holiday House 2011 has undergone changes since the program started last year. The biggest change is that it is now in the hands of Operation Homefront, and will no longer be a Morale, Welfare and Recreation venture.
“Soliciting for funds to keep the program running is a little bit harder for MWR because of rules and guidelines,” explained Tina Englen, president of the Tennessee/Kentucky chapter of Operation Homefront. “We are a non-profit organization, so the rules and guidelines for how we raise money are a little different, and a little bit easier.”
Still, many aspects of Holiday House remain the same. The renovated housing building at 7104 Hedgerow Court will once again be the “shopping” center where command-nominated Families can select toys, books and games for the children. Parents will still have an opportunity to make selections Dec. 5 through 16.
Most importantly, Holiday House still needs the help of the community to ensure that the 2,000 plus recipients will have a nice Christmas this year.
According to Englen, approximately 715 Families were command nominated to participate in Holiday House 2011.
According to Lori Scott, president of Holiday House, that number has nearly doubled since last year. “One reason is the economy, obviously,” said Scott. “A lot of times we’re seeing that spouses have lost jobs, and the Families go from two incomes to one, yet the amount of bills don’t change.”
Scott says the number of Soldiers home from deployment also has a lot to do with the large increase of nominated Families. “Family members will often go back home while a Soldier is deployed, and there isn’t as much of that happening this time,” said Scott.
To keep up with the expanding numbers, Holiday House and Operation Homefront have placed toy collection boxes at various locations throughout the Fort Campbell, Clarksville and Hopkinsville communities.
Gift donations should be within the $15-25 price range. At certain locations, such as the tree inside The Exchange shopping center, guidelines are provided as to what items are still in high demand. Holiday House donation boxes will be set up until the Dec. 9 deadline.
Beyond the toy donation deadline, Englen says Holiday House is always accepting and appreciative of monetary donations, which can be sent to Operation Homefront’s P.O. box or made online at www.operationhomefront.net/kentucky.
“We go out, we fundraise and get sponsors to come forward,” said Englen. “The money comes through Operation Homefront, we get our board of volunteers together and they go out and spend that money for Holiday House.”
Scott says that the donation of time is also needed. “We like to have volunteers here, especially during the two weeks of shopping,” said Scott. “They are there to help the Soldiers, some of whom may not be familiar with what the kids like, do their shopping.”
For more information about Holiday House, including drop box locations and how to volunteer, call (270) 412-9105.
Drop box locations for Holiday House donations include:
· The Exchange
· Austin Beauty College
585 A Riverside Dr.
· It’s a Hair Thing
317 Dover Road Apt A
· Lee’s Hair Salon
2201 Fort Campbell Blvd.
· Kids-N-Play
525 Alfred Thun Road
· Jenkins and Wynne
328 College St.
· Clarksville Academy
710 N. Second St.
710 N. Second St.
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