On November 30th, 2007 I had the happy privilege to be at Turner Field in Atlanta participating in the NBC 11Alive 25th annual Holiday Can-a-Thon. At that event, FedEx presented The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta with a new Disaster Response Unit (DRU). The DRU is a canteen truck that may be used to feed about 2,500 people a day and it was one of the first to be deployed in response to the recent severe flooding in Atlanta.
Major Steve Morris is Area Commander for the Salvation Army-National Capital Area Command in D.C. On May 28, FedEx donated a brand new Disaster Response Unit (DRU) canteen truck to the Command. At the DRU dedication event, Major Morris took the ignition key to the vehicle, held it up high in view of the crowd, and said "This is not just a key - it represents life."
Joe Gibbs, former coach of the Washington Redskins, added excitement to the special occasion, as did professional NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, also on hand for the event.
Although the holidays ought to be a time of happiness and joy, one to be shared with family and friends, it is often that dreaded time of year for so many who are less fortunate.
In a difficult economic situation, many are feeling the crunch, including myself. As I was preparing to write this entry, I was amazed at how many are still willing to give a little more time, energy and even finances to make the past holiday season better for those in need.
