CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga., Dec. 13, 2011 – Soldiers with the Georgia Army Guard’s 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD), 78th Homeland Response Force, along with members of the Georgia State Defense Force volunteered their time on Saturday, Dec. 10, to help Atlanta radio and television personality Clark Howard during his 21st annual "Christmas Kids" campaign.

Every year Howard, who is also a State Defense Force captain with the SDF’s Public Affairs Office, and News/Talk WSB join with the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) to provide gifts for foster children across Georgia. Clark's Christmas Kids Campaign collects about half of all the gifts DFCS gathers to give to children in foster care.

“This is our second year of being there, working alongside the GSDF, Captain Howard and the more than 40 civilian volunteers who also come out and help,” said Capt. Vernon Robinson, the 124th’s commander. “Being involved in events such as this not only gives us [the Guard and State Defense Force] the opportunity to interact, it also allows the public to see how we not only serve our communities during times of disaster, but also in times of peace. It’s just a great experience to help others help a child in need to have a great a Christmas.”

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roy Henry

Public Affairs Office

Georgia Department of Defense