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For the third consecutive year, the holiday season was a bit happier occasion for several Carroll County families thanks to the generosity of several local groups and individuals, spearheaded by local veterans support group Recon VI.
Recon VI hosted its annual giveaway event on Monday, Dec. 22, at the Berryville VFW post, providing food, clothing, shoes, toys and other gifts to local families in need.
Vince Eastwood, president of Recon VI, said the giveaway represented a joint effort. In addition to Recon VI and the VFW, Eastwood cited Harter House of Berryville, Butterball in Huntsville, American Legion Post 9 in Eureka Springs, A Biker’s Garage in Rogers and Eureka Springs residents Laci Moffitt and Candace Spaulding for their contributions.
“Several individuals in the community stepped up and just came by,” Eastwood said. “In fact, I got here this morning and there was a couple — he’s a Vietnam vet. They were leaving just as I got here with Matt Masters, the commander here. They brought in toys. They brought a ham and a turkey and like four big boxes of canned goods and stuff.”
Eastwood said the giveaway is “so humbling.”
“A lot of these families, you’re making a difference,” he said. “Can you say every family? No, because I don’t know the situation. I didn’t ask. But for the most part this little deal right here is going to make their Christmas.”
Eastwood was joined by family members helping with the event — his wife, Elisa, daughters Taylor and Julianna and son-in-law Caleb Burkes were all on hand.
In fact, many of the items being given away were stockpiled throughout the year by Elisa Eastwood, who said she kept an eye out for bargains that would allow them to help more families.
“All these things are all new,” Vince Eastwood said. “A lot of the toys, she started buying last year on Black Friday for today. The first load I brought over here was 21 totes of stuff she had bought over the year.”
While the event began with the idea of helping the families of military personnel, veterans and first responders, it also extends to single parents and other families that simply need help.
Each family was allowed to “shop” separately. Each received a turkey and a Harter House gift card. Children aged 15 and older were given gift cards.
Altogether, Eastwood said he believes the event made a big impact.
“I promise you, today is going to help 150 people at least,” he said.
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