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Locals aid families of soldiers

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

When the war in Iraq started, Peachtree City resident Cathy McMullen wanted to help out the troops and their families. A friend of hers is a counselor at a number of schools in Fort Benning and she relayed the fact that a number of children had either one or both parents fighting in Iraq.

A number of Peachtree City residents, including McMullen, answered the call and provided 1,500 Easter baskets for the children in that area.

While speaking to her friend recently, McMullen told her that she wanted to help some of the families at Fort Benning this Christmas. Several schools down there alerted them to the needs of some families, all with their fathers fighting in Iraq.

The needs of the families are great. Each of the families needs food and clothing and because a new jacket or socks doesn’t make a very good Christmas present, McMullen is also seeking help in providing some toys for the kids.

Of the five families McMullen is hoping to help, there are a total of 19 children, ranging in age from infancy to 9 years old.

McMullen, wife of Peachtree City Manager Bernie McMullen, recently traveled down to Fort Benning and took one family, three boys and a girl, shopping for new clothes.

She received a $500 donation from the Fayette County Republican Women’s club, which was able to provide a lot of new clothes for the children, everything from new shoes to brand new outfits.

The McIntosh swim team will also be helping out these families this holiday season.

“Their teacher said that the children wore their new clothes to school the next week and their self-esteem was up considerably,” said McMullen.

Several of the families have had incredibly tough years, made all the more difficult because of a parent’s absence due to the war. All of the families involved need everything, from clothes to a trip to the commissary to restock their cabinets. When McMullen asked the children what they wanted for Christmas, their requests were humble until she told them to create a wish list.

The wish list includes everything from Yu-Gi-Oh cards, books and dolls to size three rollerblades, size five army outfits, Bionicle figures and skateboards. One little girl asked for a bicycle and for her dad to come home for Christmas.

There are lots of ways for anyone to help these families and the mothers and children are amazed that people are willing to help. One woman told McMullen that she couldn’t thank her enough and McMullen responded by saying, “We as a grateful nation thank your husband.”

If you are interested in helping these families, call Cathy McMullen at 770-487-0672.