Theta Beta, otherwise known as the National English Honor Society Sigma Kappa Delta here at Calhoun Community College , did something different from the usual fundraisers or book giveaways of our monthly Chick-fil-a sales. SKD did a book donation for a unit of Marine Corps currently serving in Iraq last semester just in time for Christmas. The idea was to do something more for the troops overseas that may not have family or the time to celebrate the holidays. We wanted to do something that touched home since we have members who have loved ones serving in the military. It was the right fundraiser to end the semester well and motivate us for future achievements next semester. SKD raised $180 to buy new books to send with other donated books and snacks to give the troops. Also, we had two wonderful groups to help SKD make the package more festive with written Christmas cards for the unit. Dr. Byrd's husband Mitchell Byrd, a veteran of Viet Nam and a sixth grade teacher in Lewisburg , TN , got his class to write Christmas cards to go along with the package. Christine Byrd Harris, another SKD member, got her daughter's Girl Scout Troop to send Christmas cards. "It's good motivation for us when receiving simple things to remember that people back home still support what we are doing here for our country and miss us as well."-Stf. Sgt. Talavera
The package was received ten days before Christmas, but with the second election and heavy protesting going on during that time, the soldiers weren't able to get their hands on the books till Christmas! Lcpl. Michael Durante, formerly a Calhoun Community College student, was in charge of receiving the package and making sure his fellow brothers and sisters were able to get a gift for Christmas. "It's hard over here to feel normal. It's like the movie Groundhog Day ; it's the same thing every day. But when we got the box, it felt like Christmas." |
