Wells Fargo Holiday Operation for Soldiers Underway

By Rosemary Van Houten Friday, December 03, 2010

While it’s always fun to get a gift or something special during the holidays, it’s even more rewarding to give. Even the grinchiest scrooges have learned this premise throughout the years, and there’s no question about it, 'tis the season of giving.

It’s not unusual to give to a loved one, but the truest of the gift giving spirit is to give to someone in need, even someone you may not know. Such is the case with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and their support of Operation Care Package.

According to Senior Vice President of Investments Roy B. “Monty” Hargrove III, this is the first year Wells Fargo is participating in Operation Care Package. Support for the project primarily came about when one of the managers in the Richmond office, a former soldier himself, presented the idea.

Wells Fargo has selected a local battalion out of Virginia Beach to sponsor, the 529th battalion currently serving in Afghanistan.

Hargrove explained that Wells Fargo locally as well as the whole market always sponsors some type of project during the holidays. Last year the Williamsburg branch supported FISH and provided hundreds of coats, bringing some warmth and comfort to the locals in need.

“We always try to be an integral part of Williamsburg,” said Hargrove, “because this is our home.” Wells Fargo, as a whole market, expects to provide 300 packages this year, in addition to providing the USO of Central Virginia with a check for approximately $8,500.

The Operation Care Package gives businesses and people the opportunity to ensure all soldiers get something for the holidays. According to the OCP website, the premise of “Let no hero be forgotten,” and the intent that “no soldier should go without something from mail call” pretty much says it all. During the holidays in particular OCP asks that we “Send Santa to the troops,” and that’s exactly what Wells Fargo hopes to do.

The Williamsburg office has teamed up with branches from Kilmarnock and Gloucester and together they hope to provide 90 packages. Hargrove notes they anticipate the Williamsburg branch will do about 50.

Messages were sent to local Wells Fargo clients about two weeks ago, making them aware of the program along with the list of items needed for the soldiers. Items have begun to filter in to the Williamsburg office from clients and friends, but Hargrove wants to make the community aware of how to contribute and support our troops in Afghanistan.

Items on the list are very simple to obtain as well as affordable and would make all the difference in the world to our troops. Necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste or even a deck of playing cards can speak volumes when received.

Please bring all items unwrapped to the Wells Fargo office at 428 McLaws Circle, Suite 100 (bottom floor) in Williamsburg. Packages will be assembled at William & Mary on December 7, so please be sure to deliver your items to Wells Fargo no later than December 6. If you have any questions, call Meredith Clements at 757-258-1665.