Regent University’s MRC Hosts Angel Tree Event for Children of Deployed U.S. Military Servicemen and Servicewomen

Although their parents are away on deployment, 33 children from around the country will wake up to presents under the tree this Christmas holiday.

It’s all thanks to the efforts of Regent University’s Military Resource Center (MRC). On Dec. 18, volunteers wrapped donated presents for the children, who range in age from newborn to age 19.

“The Military Resource Center here at Regent University is so excited to be able to bless all these children this year,” said VA School Certifying Official for Enrolment Management Rebekah Lloyd. “We’re doing something extra special in that we’re actually supporting the children of the deployed servicemen and women.”

Lloyd said the effort has been in the works for several months. She contacted members of Regent’s community who had served in the military, who in turn provided her with names of children who wouldn’t be with their parents this Christmas.

“We just wanted to do … an Angel Tree specifically devoted to children of those deployed servicemen and women,” she added. “This way we’re showing them their sacrifices aren’t forgotten in the process as well.”

Lloyd served for nine years in the U.S. Army, and one year, spent Christmas on deployment in Afghanistan. She also was in South Korea during two other Christmas holidays.

She added, “I understand what it feels like to be separated from your family during the holiday season.”