As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving grows stronger, especially within the Pat Tillman American Legion Post 117 in Phoenix, Arizona. The post, alongside its Auxiliary unit, has made significant strides in their annual Christmas card collection drive for deployed servicemembers, as they're nearing their ambitious target of 22,000 cards. The final event called "Christmas Card Blitz" is set for this Saturday, as reported by ABC15, marking the last major opportunity for the community to participate in this heartfelt initiative.
Having amassed approximately 12,000 cards to date, organizers are optimistic about reaching their goal with the help of local residents and Legion posts from across the state. The fervor, seemingly contagious, has spread, igniting a friendly competition among Legion posts. Last year, Post 65 led the way with over 6,000 signed cards, Mallory Sobieski, second vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary, told ABC15, "Every single one of them supports us," highlighting the communal effort behind the project.
This year's initiative, which started back in July, has not only galvanized American Legion entities but also extended its roots into the broader community. Local youths, including Cub Scout troops and schools, are contributing to the cause, sending a message of care and remembrance to military personnel who are away from their homes during the holidays. "The Cub Scout troops, I love having them come," Chris Rodriguez, President of Unit 117, recalls in an interview from the American Legion's news section.
While the number of cards received by servicemembers may be vast, the impact, even when solicited from just a handful of responses, is profound. Hearing back from recipients serves as a motivation for the Legion's family to surpass their previous year's efforts continually. "We might not get a ton of responses back ... possibly four or five. But once we get responses and know that it actually reached somebody, and we can put a face and name with one of the cards that was sent out – what it meant to them receiving it – that pushes us," Rodriguez explained, as American Legion reported. Community members still eager to contribute can attend this Saturday's event at the Legion's address at 3230 E Thunderbird Rd., Phoenix, AZ.
