MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Service members stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune volunteered during their spare time to remodel a local middle school.
Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Combat Logistics Regiment 25 and CLR- 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, volunteered more than six hours at Dixon Middle School in Holly Ridge, N.C., Aug. 15, to build a flag pole, picnic tables, benches, two walkways and an awning over a public address system at the school.
“We’ve been volunteering our time to United Way to help the community for the past year,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher Cary, company first sergeant with 2nd Bn., 8th Marines. “I want my Marines to understand the importance of giving back to the community.”
United Way volunteers teamed up with a national hardware store and worked through inclement weather to accomplish the projects.
“I’m grateful to have these volunteers here,” said Lauren Welsh, director of Volunteer Onslow. “Just seeing them come out during their personal time is going to be a great help to these children.”
United Way, a worldwide support organization, offers volunteer opportunities and works with more than 56 different non-profit organizations to discover community needs with willing volunteers.
“They’re such a great help because they want to help,” said Welsh.“They show up ready and willing to work because they want to give back to the community.”
After an event, volunteers record their hours and receive a letter of appreciation from Volunteer Onslow.
“The service members who’ve helped us out have always been diligent workers,” said Cathy L. Powell, assistant principal of Dixon Middle School. “We really appreciate everything the military does for our school and community.”
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, visit volunteeronslow.org.
Find us on Google + (http://gplus.to/camp.lejeune)
Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/camp_lejeune)
Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/camp.lejeune)