Many soldiers serving our country in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq will have something to smile about this Christmas as a result of the generosity of Blue Ridge Communications and Pencor offices who embraced the Keystone Soldiers Stockings for Soldiers project.

Keystone Soldiers, a nonprofit organization, founded by Kyle Lord (a military mother of a soldier (who served 5 tours of duty) began the project in 2002. This year over 8,000 stockings and 40,000 holiday cards will be sent from our communities to the dedicated soldiers who will not be able to enjoy the comforts of home during this holiday season.

"This is such an amazing display of the wonderful things that can happen when a community comes together to show their support for our friends and neighbors away from home," Lord said. "These gifts will surely convey the spirit of Christmas and the warmest wishes of the holiday season to every military member who receives them. All the volunteers at Keystone Soldiers, me included, sincerely thank Pencor Service, Inc., (Blue Ridge Communications) and everyone who helped with this project.

"I hope that this collection will spur people to continue in the spirit of giving … not only at Christmas, but throughout the year, in support of our soldiers. It is amazing that in this day and age, there are so many troops who do not receive any personal mail," Lord said. "This initiative seeks to solve that problem and we will NEVER turn away a soldier, sailor, marine or airman (service member) who needs our help."

Cindy Mellinger, Blue Ridge Communications marketing and communications coordinator and local project coordinator for the Stockings for Soldiers program said, "Our collection weighed in at several thousand pounds of donations including food, hygiene and other requested items, over 3,600 cards and more than $3,100 for shipping. Thank you to everyone who embraced this project and to the churches, individuals (including: Diane Crick, Krystal Yocum and Shirley Welch), businesses (including Cloister Restaurant, Evergreen Diner, The Ephrata Diner, Bright's Restaurant, Parkhill Jewelry, Auto Zone, Weis Markets, Weaver Markets, Key Aid Ace Hardware, East End Mart, Creekside Dental Group, Daniel W. Springer DMD, Dennis J. Cerasoli DMD and Advanced Auto Parts), and community groups like the Reinholds VFW Post 6759, who took a personal interest in making the holidays brighter for this dedicated group of men and women. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the Blue Ridge Communications' viewing area, between 1,200 to 1,300 stockings will be stuffed and shipped, so our service men and women will receive a loving reminder from home over the Christmas season. These gifts will serve as powerful messages of joy and hope to our men and women serving around the world, as they are so appreciative of the expression of kindness. Thank you for your outpouring of love and support for our soldiers. We have surpassed our goals due to your kindness and wish you all a very Merry Christmas."

As 2013 approaches, Keystone Soldiers will continue to ship care packages throughout the New Year. For volunteer opportunities and other information please contact us by visiting our website at www.keystonesoldiers.com.