Soldier's mission in Iraq stresses humanitarian aid

July 14, 2008

Soldier's mission in Iraq stresses humanitarian aid

By AUDREY PARENTE
Staff writer

An occasional series featuring stories of soldiers far from home and their loved ones here. Today, we speak with Army Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence E. "Eric" Ebert, 38, serving in Baghdad, Iraq. His mom, Yvonne Envent, lives in Edgewater. And his sister, Helen White, New Smyrna Beach, has organized Operation Shoe Drop Flip-Flop -- a collection of children's shoes her brother will deliver to shoeless children in Iraq.



Operation Shoe Drop Flip-Flop

The operation will bring shoes to Iraqi kids who just don't have any, said Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence "Eric" Ebert. "I observed this during my first deployment, but due to the more violent nature of my operations (then), I was unable to help. Now that security has improved, I have time to help."

What: Drop off new tennis shoes, socks, flip-flops and sandals.

When: Through Sept. 30.

Where:

· Edgewater Alliance Church, 310 N. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater; Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.; contact 386 427-0385

· Christ Community Church, 1210 Mission Drive, New Smyrna Beach; Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to noon or Sunday 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.; contact 386 426-8738

· Sacred Heart Church, 998 Father Donlan Drive, New Smyrna Beach; Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m., or Sunday 7 a.m., 9 a.m. or 11 a.m.; contact 386 428-6426

· Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna Beach; Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or Friday 9 a.m. to noon, or Sunday 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. or 11 a.m.; contact 386 428-6252
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