Children and moms received several gifts from MOAA. The rest of the gifts were in the car—too many to carry! (Photo by Betty Atwater)
MOAA president Joe Longo presented a check for $250 to Karen Kuciver, founder and CEO of Women Warriors. (Photo by Peggy McGee)
Peggy McGee
The Green Valley MOAA Chapter celebrated Christmas with a new twist. Instead of a dinner, they welcomed the holiday with a festive luncheon. After the solemnity of installing the new officers, they relaxed as they celebrated the traditional gift exchange. Attendance was smaller than usual because of COVID concerns, so everyone in attendance got a gift, all of which were shopped for and lovingly and attractively wrapped by Diane Longo.
Not only did members get a gift, but they also made the holidays merrier for the 11 children and their five mothers who are part of the Women Warriors program. Women Warriors, a Tucson-based 501(c)(3) charity, was started to provide assistance to female veterans who found themselves either homeless or unemployed. The children, six boys and five girls, ranged in age from six months through 13 years. Thanks to donations of toys and monetary gifts from chapter members, each child received a couple toys and a fleece blanket made by Navy veteran Laura Colbert. The moms were gifted hats and ear warmers crocheted by Ann Nease, beaded jewelry, hats, and scarves knitted by Nora Durham, Barbara Bundy, and Peggy McGee, as well as a Fry’s gift card. Quail Creek residents Ms. Nease and Ms. Colbert are not members of MOAA, but in true Quail Creek fashion they wanted to help the veterans and their families.
At the end of the event, MOAA president Joe Longo presented a check for $250 to Karen Kuciver, founder and CEO of Women Warriors to help them in their work.