Lawson State faculty, staff and students donated nearly 70 coats and jackets for area children through this year's Soldier Tree effort. The annual drive is organized by HomeFront Housing for the Green and Blue Organization Inc., a nonprofit that assists veterans and active duty soldiers.
"It's been more than 11 years that Lawson State has partnered with us," said Velvet Davis, president of the organization. "We thank everyone, especially Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, for this opportunity to partner." The drive was organized by Lawson's Office of Financial Aid.
Davis, who spent most of her career in radio broadcasting and later public education, shifted her attention to helping veterans about 16 years ago. While she had often volunteered with women's causes, she realized in the mid-2000s that more needed to be done to help the families of veterans and soldiers.
"Our work ensures that children of deployed, wounded and fallen service members of this great country can have a joyful holiday season," she said, noting that some families were particularly challenged this year.
