The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to consider adding local Coast Guard, Marine, or Navy service members to their holiday gift lists. This initiative is part of the chamber’s fifth annual Home for the Holidays campaign, aimed at providing financial support for military personnel who may struggle to make it home for the holidays.
Jim Icenhour, chairman of the military affairs committee and the James City County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the importance of this campaign. He noted that in 2021, it became evident that many service members stationed at the Coast Guard Training Center and Naval Weapons Station in the area lacked the necessary funds for travel during the holiday season.
The fundraising effort commenced in 2022 and has since successfully assisted nearly 200 service members in returning home for the holidays. However, the demand for help continues to increase, with 90 individuals receiving assistance last year alone. This season, the number of applicants has already surpassed 150, prompting the need for more than the $27,000 raised last year to meet the growing requests.
Donations can be contributed at various levels: $100 will help partially fund one service member, while $300 covers one full trip home, $600 aids two service members, and donations are accepted in increments of $25. The chamber has received heartfelt letters from beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the support they received, highlighting the profound impact these contributions make in allowing service members to reunite with their loved ones during the festive season.
Online donations are being accepted until November 28 through the chamber’s website, and contributions can also be mailed directly to the campaign’s address.
This initiative not only provides vital assistance to those who serve but also fosters a sense of community and gratitude during the holiday season, enriching the lives of both the donors and the military personnel.