SAN ANGELO, Texas — Christmas is a time where young men and women who have ventured from home for their first jobs, college and military service can usually head back home for a visit.
Sometimes, those who have entered military service cannot go home for various reasons, including those stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo.
That's where the San Angelo Elks Lodge 1880 comes in with its Home Away from Home event on Christmas Day.
The Elks have been hosting the program themselves for eight years, but it has existed for more than a decade.
The group is now asking the Concho Valley with a little help in making the event a great one for those young men and women from Goodfellow. The Elks are asking for donations of gift cards (minimum $25) or new items that can be used as appropriate gender-neutral gifts for the servicemembers attending the event. Cash will also be accepted and will be used to purchase additional gifts for the event.
Gift cards, gifts or desserts can be delivered to the Elks Lodge, 2121 S. Chadbourne by 7 p.m. on Dec. 23. The Elks Lodge is open from 5-9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Desserts are especially welcome, because they can be taken back to the base to be shared or eaten later.
"Home Away from Home" is an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the men and women serving at Goodfellow AFB, the Elks Lodge said in a release.
"Let’s show them that San Angelo appreciates them."
Anyone who would like to be a part of the event and donate gifts, gift cards or desserts can call 325-227-6920 for more information.
