Not taking liberty for granted at Big O Tires
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Some of the recipients of Big O Tires collection for soldiers last December.
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of USAF EOD Troops of 755A/3&4
Owners of Big O Tires in Castle Pines since 2007 and Hidden Pointe residents, Robyn and J McElroy, held a patriotic collection last year for soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan to bring them some comforts of home for the holidays. The supplies drive as part of the Books for Soldiers program collected 50 boxes that were sent to the troops in December, which included books and magazines as well as personal hygiene items. Many big O customers contributed to the success of this effort.
Robyn McElroy became involved in Books for Soldiers through an old friend and has since become acquainted with organizer, Carlynne Freitag, who actively collects for troops year round and coordinates wrapping parties at her home. McElroy says, “Her (Freitag’s) entire basement is filled with books that she has organized by topic so that we can quickly grab several books that appeal to the person registered with Books for Soldiers.”
As one generous contributor to the cause remarked, “In my mind, it is important that the troops know that we remember what they do every day. It was an honor to be a part of this one!”
The McElroys would like to encourage residents to buy items during the year and use Big O in Castle Pines as a collection point.
A spring event is in the works which will include thank you cards to the troops. They would like to include Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards with the packages so the military personnel can send cards home to their parents. Hygiene items, books, cd’s, dvd’s, and batteries are always welcome as well.
In a letter of appreciation for the much needed supplies came the following from one of the soldiers, “Thank you for all of your thoughts, concerns, and prayers. Please continue to pray for our safety while we are abroad, for our safe return home, and for our supportive families and communities back at home (such as you) who are the true heroes. It is this support that enables us to live more comfortably while we are away from home and inspires us to perform our duties to the utmost of our abilities.”
To find out more about the Books for Soldiers program, visit their website at www.booksforsoldiers.com.
