Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pile up toys, food and clothing after arriving at the Marian House Soup Kitchen Dec. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)
By Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
COLORADO SPRINGS — Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, delivered holiday cheer from their rucksacks to the Marian House Soup Kitchen Dec. 15, 2016.
Now in its seventh year, “Operation Stryker Christmas” originated from three “Raider” Brigade Soldiers who volunteered at the Marian House Soup Kitchen and thought hauling donations in rucksacks would be fun.
“It’s the Soldier who got up on a freezing cold morning to donate to those families. I think it was important to those Families to receive the goods and to see what we are willing to do for them … to brave the cold, carry a heavy load and then give it all away,” said 1st Lt. Lucas Werner, Family readiness liaison, 1st SBCT. “Now that I have a son, donating clothes and giving to those who are a little less fortunate … that means a lot more to me now. I am thinking I would do anything to provide for him, and that is what these people are doing — everything they need to do to provide for their families — that has a huge impact on me.”
Soldiers of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pile up toys, food and clothing after arriving at the Marian House Soup Kitchen Dec. 15, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nancy Lugo)
Marching in ahead of schedule, more than 1,500 Fort Carson Soldiers brought Christmas cheer to downtown Colorado Springs, along with food, blankets, clothes, camping gear and lots of toys.
“It’s awesome! I really do think it is awesome. My father-in-law and my grandpa are both Soldiers so they used to do a lot of community work for everybody. I just think it is sweet of them to help out,” said Colorado Springs resident Ali Domitrovich while waiting in line to pick out clothes and toys for her five children.
The donation drive not only provided assistance for those in need but also demonstrated the overall resiliency of the community, said Rochelle Blaschke.
“This is one of those events that you just stand back in awe,” said the Catholic Charities chief communications officer. “Generosity at its core is an amazing thing.”