Wounded Warrior Project Gifts Holiday Food Baskets to Warrior Families
Dec. 23, 2019 -- In the spirit of the holiday season, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) partnered with the community to provide 50 food baskets to wounded veterans and their families in Jacksonville, Florida.
WWP gifted the baskets at a holiday-themed event that featured crafts, games, a cookie decorating contest, and more. Overall, warriors and their families enjoyed the camaraderie the event provided.
Army veteran Lawrence Chandler was one of the recipients and said the support means everything to him and his family. He lives with PTSD after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and said he felt “stuck” for several years during his transition to civilian life. It wasn’t until connecting with WWP, he said, that he returned to his normal self.
“Without events and support like this, we might not have Christmas dinner,” Lawrence said. “Some people take it for granted, but we’re forever appreciative of what Wounded Warrior Project has done.”
WWP received support from several Jacksonville-based organizations and individuals to help the families. Partners CSX and BAE Systems, as well as the Jaguars Foundation, Publix, PepsiCo, FritoLay, Aerotek, the Bolles Lower School in Ponte Vedra Beach, and WWP staff members, donated the materials and food. Representatives from Aerotek, TD Bank, and Hylant helped pack the baskets, in addition to individual WWP supporters, such as Jacksonville resident Richard Ashley.
“It’s Christmas, and it’s a time for giving,” Richard said. “It was great to be with other people who care to pack those baskets, which are meaningful to the warriors. It’s just great to be in the heart of this organization.”
Learn how you can support wounded veterans and their families through WWP’s programs and services.
Contact
Jon Blauvelt, jblauvelt@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.596.7109
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.