MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines from 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, volunteered their time to distribute food at a local church, Dec. 20, in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.
The Marines assisted members of the Trinity United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, N.C. with their monthly food drive in partnership with Angel Food Ministries.
“The Marines helped unload a tractor-trailer full of food and distribute it to families who need it,” said Tammy Parker, director, Angel Food Ministries.
“Tons of young Marines come out each month and help out tremendously. The Marines are so valuable, it would be almost impossible to do it without them.”
Angel Food Ministries, a nonprofit organization founded in Monroe, Ga., has provided food relief to communities throughout the U.S. since 1994. Parker said the organization now participates in 34 states nationwide.
The Marines’ participation was orchestrated by 2nd Maintenance Battalion Chaplain Navy Lt. Calvin B. Gardner, who has found Marines to volunteer every month since April.
The event typically takes place the last Saturday of each month. Gardner, a native of Detroit, said an average of 10 to 20 Marines come out each month. He said the community’s success in this endeavor continues to cultivate as a different group of Marines come each time.
“Volunteering makes me feel like I’m helping the community and I get to know the people in the community at the same time,” said Cpl. Jarod Fox, a mechanic with the battalion’s General Support Maintenance Company. “I would encourage my friends and fellow Marines to come out and volunteer.”
Seaman Apprentice Maxwell R. Antonucci, religious program specialist, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, said the atmosphere at each food drive is a relaxed environment. The Pittsburgh native said he enjoys being able to help Marines interact with others in their community. He added that he believes this is why they keep coming each month.
The next drive is scheduled to take place at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Jan. 17. Gardner said the success of this drive and all those to come will continue to depend on the number of people who are willing to help.