It’s Christmas in July for this year’s Home for the Holidays program sponsored by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s fundraising efforts began early “in an effort to get more funds to help more naval folks,” said Jim Icenhour, chairman of the chamber’s military affairs committee and chair of the Board of Supervisors.
Since 2021, the chamber has been raising money for members of the military who need help with transportation funds to go home for the holidays.
The drive began earlier this month and will end Nov. 28. Soon afterward, the committee will meet to process applications and determine recipients.
Last year the drive raised about $27,000 and was able “to send home all 90 applicants,” Icenhour said. “This year we would like to raise enough to send 100 service members home.” Each would receive a $300 stipend.
Commanders at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and the Coast Guard Training Center are onboard with the program and provide applications to any personnel who are interested. These two military units are within the area served by the Williamsburg chamber.
Fundraising has increased annually since 2021, when 23 service members could make their treks. In 2022, 40 people received funding, and in 2023, 45 received assistance. Last year, 90 service members got stipends.
Individual or groups can make donations at various sponsorship levels: $100 will partially fund one service member; $300 will fund one service member; $600 will help two service members; and $900 will fund three service members. Individual donations are welcome in increments of $25.
Those interested may register and make donations at connect.williamsburgchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/QZFNKqOCdCnC0.
Wilford Kale, [email protected]
