|
|
On Oct. 17, Springfield Sailors painted, preserved and move furniture at the Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) Shelter in Norwich.
The TVCCA shelter's mission is to aid families experiencing homelessness, maintain their dignity and self respect by providing shelter, food and personal care to meet their basic needs on a 24-hour basis and link the families to community resources needed to improve their current situation.
The volunteer event was spearheaded by the Springfield's First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA).
"We just wanted to come out and help the community," said Sonar Technician First Class Geoff Walker, Vice President of the Springfield's FCPOA. "I contacted the TVCCA representative after the Kickoff breakfast and expressed our interest in volunteering there."
The 45-room shelter provides help to those in need and relies not only on federal and state funding but donations from community organizations, and individuals throughout the region. Springfield's Sailors were the first military members to offer their time to help those in need at the shelter.
"It's fantastic," said Ida Parker, Assistant Director of housing and shelter services at the TVCCA. "We are so excited to have Sailors come out and help us, and since they are our first military volunteers, it's a great opportunity for us."
Sailors spent most of the day in one of the shelter's three bathrooms scraping loose paint, sanding and repainting, as well as moving old furniture into the shelter's basement.
"It's really good exposure for the Navy," said Electronics Technician Seaman Matt Higgins. "And I am happy I could come out and do my part to help those less fortunate than myself."
Since returning from deployment and entering its yard period availability Springfield Sailors have conducted three community relations project with another one scheduled later this year in New London.
"We are really going to ramp up our community relations projects," said Yeoman First Class David Houston, Springfield's First Class Petty Officer Association President. "The Groton-New London area supports the Navy so much, and we need to do our part to show our appreciation."
For more information on how you can contribute to the CFC, contact your campaign key worker. For CFC volunteer opportunities in the Groton-New London area, check the CFC book for contact info to the specific charity you wish to volunteer for or contact ETC Hopke at (860) 464-3334.
