Raffle benefits deployed military personnel
By Deanna Kirk – Special to the Navarro County Gazette
Years ago while working for another local publication, I had occasion to meet one Jean O’Connor, who was recognized as being super special by Channel 4 News, and interviewed by Clarice Tinsley. O’Connor began a ministry, possibly 20 years ago now, that she’s run until recently when the loss of her husband and declining health dictated she step away.
Corsicana Troop Support Angels is now under the capable direction of Cyndi Parrish, and has recently moved into a new headquarters at the old Navarro County Appraisal office. This is now part of Compassion Corsicana’s network (the building, that is).
While the word is American troops will soon start leaving Afghanistan, the truth is many people from our area are still deployed all over the world. If you have a loved one who is deployed with our United States military, Corsicana Troop Support Angels would love to have their name and address to send them monthly care packages.
The biggest problem facing the Angels at this time now is funds. The move into the building at 1111 E. First Avenue (where their packings take place) created the need for liability insurance. The Angels are currently holding a raffle that will conclude Monday, July 12 at noon. The goal of the raffle is to sell enough tickets to a) pay for the insurance and b) pay for the rising cost of shipping the boxes.
Tickets for the raffle are $5 each or five tickets for $20. If you are interested in purchasing tickets call Parrish at 503-887-7902 and leave a message. She will be happy to deliver your tickets.
The coveted prize in the raffle is a 29” fire pit, with all kinds of extra items such as cooler, beach towel, two large float rings, air mattress, fruit punch, plates, squirt guns, games, sidewalk chalk, plus all the fixings for S’mores, other candy, etc. All the makings for a fun outdoor evening with the family or friends are included.
Also needed (always!) are donated items to place in the boxes. The military men and women receive toiletries, snacks, socks, books, pens, playing cards, and any non-perishable small items that can stand shipping and will bring comfort. If you can donate at least 12 of one of these items per month for the packing, the Angels need your help!
“All proceeds support our mission to ‘Send smiles across the miles’ to our deployed military personnel around the world,” Parrish said.
Corsicana Troop Support Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency.
People are always welcome to come help pack the boxes, and it would make a fun and meaningful outreach for a Sunday School class, Bible Study group, Boy Scouts, etc. The Angels meet the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. to pack the boxes at 111 E. 1st Ave., Corsicana.
You may sponsor a monthly box with postage for $50. One family has been sponsoring two boxes per month for several years, as well as providing 500 Christmas cards and protein bars for the big Christmas stockings. There are so many ways to help.
For more information, contact Parrish either by phone at the number listed above, or by email at ctsa75110@gmail.com. If you wish to mail a check to help with insurance or postage, your donations are tax deductible and may be sent to Corsicana Troop Support Angels, P.O. Box 1072, Corsicana Texas 75151.