In the spirit of the holiday season, Wounded Warrior Project recently partnered with the community to provide 50 food baskets to wounded veterans and their families in Jacksonville.
WWP gifted the baskets at an event that featured crafts, games, a cookie decorating contest and more. Overall, warriors and their families enjoyed the camaraderie the event provided.
Army veteran Lawrence Chandler was one of the recipients and said the support means everything to him and his family. He lives with PTSD after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and said he felt “stuck” for several years during his transition to civilian life. It wasn’t until connecting with WWP, he said, that he returned to his normal self.
“Without events and support like this, we might not have Christmas dinner,” Lawrence said. “Some people take it for granted, but we’re forever appreciative of what Wounded Warrior Project has done.”
WWP received support from several Jacksonville-based organizations and individuals to help the families. Partners CSX and BAE Systems, as well as the Jaguars Foundation, Publix, PepsiCo, FritoLay, Aerotek, the Bolles Lower School in Ponte Vedra Beach, and WWP staff members, donated the materials and food. Representatives from Aerotek, TD Bank, and Hylant helped pack the baskets, in addition to individual WWP supporters, such as Jacksonville resident Richard Ashley.
“It was great to be with other people who care to pack those baskets, which are meaningful to the warriors,” Richard said. “It’s just great to be in the heart of this organization.”
Photos provided by Wounded Warrior Project
