The Payson Roundup / Volunteers pack holiday boxes for deployed soldiers

Archive for Friday, December 12, 2008

December 12, 2008

Andy Towle/Roundup

Celeste Parsons, left, and Dottie Gossard were two of the more than 53 volunteers who helped pack Christmas bags and holiday boxes for U.S. troops on Saturday.

Andy Towle/Roundup

Tanya Theis sorted different types of greeting cards to be included in the care packages that will soon find themselves in the hands of deployed soldiers.

Andy Towle/Roundup

Ed and Pat Stokes make a husband and wife team who were wrapping Christmas packages filled with goodies for soldiers far from home. The event took place Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino.

Volunteers spent several hours last Saturday packing Christmas boxes for deployed U.S. soldiers.

According to Payson Supply Line representatives, more than 200 boxes are being mailed to deployed soldiers, thanks to all the donations, community support and volunteers.

More than 53 volunteers showed up at the event Saturday to pack Christmas bags for the troops, including members of two organizations — Soldiers Angels and Payson Supply Line.

The event was sponsored by Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, Chili’s, Payson Supply Line and Printing by George. It was the Army wife of a deployed soldier, Tressa Ortiz, who had the idea.

“I personally thank everyone that participated, and appreciate all the donations and support received for this event. A special thanks to Marti Nielson (Army mother of a deployed soldier), Alisa Gordon and Cindy Schnepp for their continual help through the entire donation drive!” Ortiz said.