Little Soldiers Program Brightens the Holidays for Military Families

The stars are shining at Fair Haven Borough Hall. For the fourth year, the borough is participating in the Little Soldiers program and is asking residents to help.

Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande brought the program to the borough, which provides gifts for children of military personnel posted overseas. “As the holiday season approaches,” said Beck, “we are reminded to give thanks for all we have. I can think of no better way to offer thanks to our brave troops overseas than by participating in this amazing project and help to bring a smile to the face of a military child."
 
Casagrande said that this is the 4th year that they have been assisting in the Little Soldiers program. "This year it is particularly important that we get the word out. Although President Obama has declared an end to hostilities in Iraq, members of the U.S. military remain deployed around the world. Military personnel who call New Jersey are deployed in six countries, including Afghanistan. For each pair of boots on the ground, there is a family back home missing them. Participating in this program is a way to thank them for their tremendous sacrifice.”

Joining their mission is easy: stop by one of the participating municipalities and pick up a star with the name of a child and purchase a gift that will make their holiday a little more special.

"Each year we see a wonderful outpouring of support for this program, and although there is a promise of peace, many mothers and fathers will remain away from their children this Christmas. I urge all who have the means to pick up a star with a child’s wish on it and help make their holiday season a little brighter,” said Beck.

The participating municipalities include: Colts Neck, Tinton Falls, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Oceanport, Manalapan, Marlboro, and Red Bank. Each of these towns will have stars displayed at their municipal buildings with the wishes of boys and girls on them, along with the children’s ages.
 
Also participating, for the fourth year, is the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck. Last year, the participation of the Club and its members helped to bring hundreds of children their gifts for the holidays.
 
Please DO NOT WRAP the gift, but DO ATTACH the star with the name of the child when you drop off the gifts. Gifts can be brought back to the municipal offices where the star was first picked up. All gifts must be brought back no later than Dec. 9th.