"Operation Gift A Vet" Is In Full Swing

It was in December.. 2015

The Rev Tsgt Robert Phillips had just retired from 30 years USAF.

He and a friend of his decided to go and pray for a Veteran at a VA.

While they were there they noticed someone giveing a stocking to a veteran spreading the holiday spirit.

When he returned he and his wife Theresa Phillips took that idea to their church Kingdom Global Impact Center. All were excited.

That year they filled 28 stockings and gave them away. The following spring they managed to fill an 18 Wheeler a FULL of needy items and food to go to Corbin Ky. And gave it all away...

Again the Season was changing and they felt the urge to form Be A Hero To A Hero A Charity for Veterans. "Operation Gift A Vet was formed!

That year they filled 300 stockings and delivered them to Manteno a facility near Kankakee.

The Following year about 400 ...

The Charity begins to grow.

In 2019 they filled and delivered over 800 stockings to 27 homes. Shelters, Transients and The Local Fire Department. ( Each year alternating between Fire and Police departments)

This does not include the 100s sent to private elderly personnel.

As the Charity begin to grow so did interest. Theresa started posting on facebook and people from all across the country started to send items.

Especially Beanie Babies. The Beanie Babies are extremely useful as they can be placed in the freezer for a soft ice pack .

They are supple enough to go behind a knee, under an IV, behind the neck and small of the back.. AND Give that Christmas Touch to the Veteran.

Items that go in the stockings are:

White Tee-shirts Tube Socks Toothbrushes and Travel size toothpaste.

Small soaps, travel size Lotions and creams and Lip Balms and A Star Card.

A Star Card is a star from the American flag that can no longer be displayed. The message on the card is: I am part of our American Flag, I have flown over a home in the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and elements have caused me to become tattered and torn.

Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten. These star cards are for the Auxiliary post 342 St charles and the Veterans Center.

The stockings get a card from th Be A Hero Team thanking them for their service.

"It's been wonderful what Be A Hero To A Hero has been able to give back" Says Theresa Phillips.

"We have been able to sponsor camp for a boy for two years."

"We have also been able to give to several children in shelters, coloring books, small toys etc.

We have been able to help during the Height of COVID - 19 by sending meals to shut ins and donating toothbrushes and items for those who were in need."

Now in 2020 We need items ... We need stockings..

We are collecting for this year an estimated 1300 stockings to be filled.

We know we cannot personally deliver stockings this year due to Covid but we also know we will reach out and the stockings will be delivered!

We have two public drop boxes one at Fully Promoted Fox Valley 216 South Kirk Rd, St. Charles, IL 60174

And The St Charles Veteran Center 311 N. 2nd St. Suite 109 Saint Charles, Illinois .

More information?

Call 630 377 5377

Visit the website at www.BeAHeroToAHero.com

Filling stockings will be at Kingdom Global Impact Center 1150 North 5th Avenue Saint Charles

10 Am Nov 21

10 Am Nov 28

Deliveries start Nov 29 1 PM .

Due to Covid we have opted for two dates in filling stockings due to limited hands on and distancing.

Each person will have to Sign in Temp Taken, Wear a Mask and Disinfect to fill stockings .

If you would like to help fill stockings please contact 630 377 5355 before the fill dates.

Leave a message because Robert and Theresa are out there collecting.

Thank you Saint Charles and All who have helped us You are amazing!