Eureka Springs Times-Echo

Some Carroll County families had a happier holiday season thanks to the work of Berryville VFW Post 7518, the Walker-Wilson American Legion Post No. 9 in Eureka Springs and local veterans support group Recon VI.

The three organizations teamed up to provide food, clothing, toys and other gifts to local families in need. The gifts were distributed Monday, Dec. 23, at the VFW post in Berryville.

Vince Eastwood, president of Recon VI, said the gifts were presented to veterans, first responders and their families who needed help during the holiday season.

“We also have a few single moms,” Eastwood said.

A room in the VFW hall was filled with items that were collected throughout the year, beginning the day after Christmas 2023. Tables were lined with toys and games for kids of all ages, along with a variety of clothing and food items that ranged from canned goods to boxes of cereal. The bed of Eastwood’s pickup truck was filled with turkeys and hams to be given away, as well.

Eastwood thanked everyone who contributed to the effort.

“This is our community coming together to make it possible to help local families in need,” he said. “It’s thanks to everybody that helps.”

Fewer families were expected to participate in this year’s event, Eastwood said, adding “that’s a good thing,” since it hopefully indicates that fewer families were in need of assistance.

But none of the items were collected in vain. Eastwood explained that leftover items would be donated to Jeremiah Recovery House.