It started with one mom, two young servicemen and an everyday conversation.
Boni Johnson, RN (a nurse at ACMH Rural Healthcare Clinics) has 2 sons that serve in the military and are currently stationed overseas, one in Iraq and the other in Syria.
One day Boni was putting together care packages for her sons for the holiday, when in casual conversation, she asked her son, Jackson, “Is everyone getting something?” He replied, “No, but we share what we have.”
Hearing that soldiers shared their holiday gifts with each other made her heart swell with pride as much as it “broke her momma’s heart.” Boni was compelled to deliver care packages to each of the service members in her sons platoons. In that moment, “Stockings for Soldiers” was born.
Boni purchased Military Dopp Kits commonly referred to as tactical toiletry bags. She knew that high grade quality socks are a necessity in the military. The socks the soldiers use are a certain type and each of these kits contains 2 pairs of high grade socks. Boni and a few of the other military moms also collected shelf stable items for care packages like jerky, toothpaste, and lip balm.
Boni asked her co-workers at ACMH if anyone had extra shipping boxes they could spare. Word quickly spread as to why she needed them and generous hearts opened.
For those of us that are unable to serve, it is difficult to voice the respect we hold for those that choose to serve our country. When the Employees Club at ACMH heard of her kindness, they decided to support Boni’s project, not just with boxes, but with funding to help cover the cost of shipping.
Boni touched by the donation, told ACMH staff that 20 boxes will be delivered to Nathan’s platoon in Syria and 75 boxes will be delivered to Jackson’s platoon in Iraq. She said it felt very special because Jackson’s platoon is based in Carroll, Iowa and those soldiers are especially close to their hearts.
Boni’s family gathered last Saturday wrapping 104 presents for the soldiers to have this Christmas.
What began with a talk between mother and son ends with a community gathering to support their colleague, her sons, their platoons, and a whole lot of holiday spirit being sent overseas.
