Military Friends Foundation Partners With Families of the Fallen To Hold “Christmas in August” Fundraiser to Benefit Military Children
Families of the Sgt. Robert Barrett, Spc. Scott Andrews, and Pvt. Michael Bouthot pictured with toys generously donated for upcoming fundraiser.
***RESCHEDULED – Due to Hurricane Irene the “Christmas In August” fundraiser has been rescheduled until September 25th at the Tiverton VFW from 12-4pm.
FALL RIVER – As the ten year anniversary of September 11th approaches, Americans pause to remember the service and sacrifices of those who lost their lived in the terrorist attacks and our men and women in uniform who are serving across the globe. This weekend, three local families whose sons made the ultimate sacrifice, have joined together to support military children by hosting a “Christmas In August” fundraiser on Sunday, August 28, 2011 from 12pm-4pm at the Tiverton VFW, to collect toys and donations for the Military Friends Foundation Operation Smiles Project..
“We are honored to join with the families of Sgt. Robert Barrett, Spc. Scott Andrews and Pvt. Michael Bouthot to ‘pay it forward’ in their memories,” said Sarah Keller-Likins, Executive Director of the Military Friends Foundation. The Operation Smiles Project was officially launched earlier will provide special support to military families. Paul Barrett, father of Sgt. Robert J. Barrett of Fall River who was killed in April 2010 while serving in Afghanistan with the Massachusetts National Guard, helped originate the project said their hope was to join with others to “put smiles on the faces of our military families.”
This event is the kick-off to a season long toy and donation drive. Santa Claus will make a special visit and there will be children’s activities and refreshments. For more information or to RVSP for the event please contact Paul Barrett at [email protected] or call the Military Friends Foundation at (617) 733-1994. All donations are tax deductible.
The Military Friends Foundation proudly administers the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund, which was created by the State Legislature to recognize the unique contributions and sacrifices made by the National Guard and Reserve after September 11, 2001. The Military Friends Foundation Programs to aid local military families receives support from thousands of people across the Commonwealth through this Fund. Taxpayers can directly support the Mass. Military Family Relief Fund on their Mass. State Income Tax Form with an annual voluntary contribution under check-off box Question 32E.
The Military Friends Foundation has provided over half a million dollars in assistance to Massachusetts military families and families of Fallen Service Members through a range of financial grants and support programs. For more information on Military Friends Foundations programs and how you can support local military families, visit www.militaryfriends.org or call (617) 733-7994.
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