Last week marked the 6^th year DCA has collected donations for the ambitious Stockings for Soldiers donation program! The generosity of DCA’s membership is always apparent as we lean into this great effort! Our members not only responded to the opportunity to make the holidays brighter for our service members stationed abroad with donations but also with their time. With over 8,500 stockings to ship, the donation needs, volunteer time, and logistics of this huge undertaking are amazing.

Last week, 22 Young Executive Committee members worked through the night like real-life elves to prepare packages to be shipped to servicemembers in places like Poland and Germany. After so many years supporting Stockings for Soldiers, the YEC knows how best to contribute to its mission. This year they intentionally asked DCA members to contribute historically high demand but under-donated items. Following the packaging and truck loading, YEC members spent time organizing and cleaning the staging site.

There are many brave Americans who aren’t in a position to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones because they have placed service to our country ahead of their own comfort. It is DCA’s recognition of their sacrifice that inspires our members to continue to contribute to the Stocking for Soldiers program year after year. Members of the Young Executives Committee deserve a special thank you for organizing the contributions and delivering them to the “assembly site” and all the extra work that goes along with our members’ contributions.

Taking time to be grateful for our own blessings and sharing with others is what makes this such a special time of year. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your generosity will brighten a service member’s life.