Calvary Chapel Greeneville in the News ~

Churches Collecting Gifts and Cards for U.S. Troops
The Greeneville Sun, December 13, 2008
By Nelson Morais

Donations of Christmas gifts, as well as greeting cards of encouragement, for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan can be dropped off at Calvary Chapel Greeneville, U-Turn For Christ or Lighthouse Assembly of God.

In a similar joint effort in August, the two churches joined others to collect and mail 64 boxes of personal toiletry items, food and clothing.

Those items were donated by Kmart, Big Lots, Ingles Markets, Hammons Hometown Vending, other businesses and individuals.

The organizer of the December collection drive, John Penton, said he came up with the collection idea after hearing from his son, a Marine who is stationed in Iraq, that morale was low in his company.

Penton said of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, "They're representing us as a nation. I think we should support them."

Call Penton (638-2739) for an up-to-date list of requested items, including phone cards and green or brown t-shirts, that would make appropriate gifts.

Call Calvary Chapel (636-2607), U-Turn For Christ (639-3720) or Lighthouse Assembly of God (639-5311) before dropping off Christmas gifts to be sure someone is there to receive the items.

One of the drop-off points, Calvary Chapel, is located at 1217 Snapps Ferry Road (just a few blocks from Food City).

The public is encouraged to give Calvary Chapel the names of family members or friends stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan to add to the church's prayer list and mailing list. For more information, e-mail ccgv2@earthlink.net.

The last day to bring gifts to be shipped is Dec. 31. All items will be mailed shortly thereafter so that they arrive in January, Penton said.