MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The holidays are just around the corner, and everyone is looking forward to enjoying the things that come with the holiday season: turkey dinners, Christmas lights, decorations, ginger bread houses and the smell of cinnamon and hot chocolate.
This is a time that should be spent with family and friends and is also known as the season of giving.
This year you can help others enjoy the holiday festivities.
The Holiday Food Voucher Program (HFVP) is a charitable program that provides people a chance to give the blessing of good fortune this holiday season.
Donations made to the HFVP help provide vouchers to families within the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni community.
Each voucher presented to families aboard the station can be redeemed at the Commissary, Club Iwakuni or at the Crossroads food court.
“This year’s HFVP is well on its way,” said Sgt. Maj. David J. Wimberly, station sergeant major.
“The first increment of the program, which encompasses the Thanksgiving holiday meal, serviced 39 service members.
Each voucher has a face value of $50. We had residual cash from unused portions of the program’s last year’s donations; we have $3,925.87 to work with for the two holiday periods.”
Private organizations and units are encouraged to contribute to the HFVP to provide relief for service members and their families during the holiday season.
“One may contribute by stopping by the Marine Corps Community Services financial office to donate money by specifying that it is for the Holiday Food Voucher Program,” said Lt. Cmdr. Allen Kuss, the station chaplain.
The following private oganizations contributed to the HFVP for fiscal year 2009: the Iwakuni Dental Association, Filipino American Association, SeaBee’s Association, Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Tsuda Orphanage, Matthew C. Perry Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, Medical Association, Iwakuni Official Association and the Mt. Fuji Military Lodge.
The Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, station chapel Iwakuni Chief Petty Officer Association, Filipino American Association, SeaBee’s Association, Mt. Fuji Lodge, Genesis Lodge, Calvary Chapel and the Thrift Store contributed to the HFVP last year along with other private contributors.
The HFVP is a combined effort put together by the station command, Marine Corps Community Services and the chaplain’s office.
According to III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan Order 1700.5, eligible recipients include single-income families of active duty Marines and sailors (E-4 and below) and DOD employees (GS-05 and below) with at least one child or other legal dependent.
Eligibility also includes single-income families of active duty Marines and sailors (E-5) with two or more children or other legal dependents.
“This is just another way for Marines to help their fellow Marines,” said Wimberly. “Never be too proud to ask for a little assistance.”
To find out how to receive a Holiday Food Voucher, contact the station chapel at 253-3371.