Calvary Chapel Greeneville in the News ~

Church Seeks Donates Items to Send to Troops in Iraq
The Greeneville Sun, April 1, 2009

Calvary Chapel of Greeneville, a nondenominational storefront church along Snapps Ferry Road, is seeking donated items to send to American soldiers in Iraq. The church is also requesting additional names and mailing addresses of deployed soldiers from Greene County to send the items to. Greeneville native John Penton, whose son John M. Penton I, is a Marine serving in Iraq, is coordinating the effort at the church. His son is also a native of Greeneville.

"Whether or not someone supports the war, they should support our troops," Penton said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "This is a concrete way to show that support."

Penton said American troops in Iraq, including his son, have requested the following items: Slim Jims, beef jerky, blank picture postcards, toilet paper, toiletries (including soap, mouthwash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Q-tips, and roll-on deodorant), and Ziploc bags.

He explained that Ziploc bags help soldiers protect small possessions from windblown sand.

Penton also said letters or greeting cards of encouragement for troops are greatly desired, and will be forwarded.

He said Calvary Chapel encourages anyone with a family member or friend serving in Iraq to place their name on the church's prayer list.

Penton said he hopes his effort will inspire more churches in Greene County to provide tangible support to troops, especially those from the local area.

He said interested persons may drop donations off at Calvary Chapel, located at 1217 Snapps Ferry Road, between 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Penton, co-owner of a local construction business, is the contact person at Calvary Chapel.

Monetary donations will help buy needed items for the soldiers, and all monetary donations will be verified by the church, he said.

Penton said the last day to get a donation into next month's shipment is May 30. It will be mailed in the beginning of June, he said. Calvary Chapel's phone number is 636-2607. Messages may be left on the answering machine during non-working hours.

Penton may also be contacted via e-mail at ccgv2@earthlink.net