SOCSOUTH servicemembers assist Homestead's finest during holiday community event

  • Published
  • By Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea
  • SOCSOUTH Public Affairs Office
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  In the spirit of the holiday season, servicemembers assigned to Special Operations Command South participated in a toy giveaway, sponsored by the Homestead Police Department, to benefit the less fortunate on Dec. 21.

SOCSOUTH partnered with Project "Start Off Smart" better known as "SOS", a Homestead Police Department initiative that integrates law enforcement with human services to meet the needs of Homestead area residents during the toy giveaway.

Project SOS is a combined agency effort that provides safety, independence and an improved quality of life for the entire community. SOS assistance includes children and their families who have been subject to severe conditions such as child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness.

During the past two months, SOCSOUTH and its Army Community Services department, headed by Mr. Jerry Havens, organized the toy drive in order to collect enough toys to donate to the Homestead Police Department for this event.

Army Maj. Stewart Mason said it was an honor for him to with the Homestead Police Department and work with a program like Project SOS.

"It was great to help wrap toys and distribute them to the children," said Mason, who serves as the SOCSOUTH headquarters commandant. "It's great to work with the Homestead police officers and it is a good thing for us to be a part of this event."

During the event, area children were able to enjoy activities such as an arts and crafts table and had a meet and greet with Santa Claus before receiving their gift.

"It's great to give back to the community," said Navy Petty Officer Second Class Bryan Sheehan, assigned to SOCSOUTH's administrative department. "I am happy to be a part of this and I love to see the children so excited."