The Christmas season is in full swing and across East Alabama the giving spirit is alive and well.

Each year around the holidays, I like to take the opportunity to highlight a few of the great works going on across our area.  The following examples are just a sampling of people giving of their time and gifts this year.

As anyone can see from this sampling, folks across our state are always willing to help their neighbor all year long. 

This November, Yarbrough Elementary School students in Auburn spent their afternoon making decorations for East Alabama Medical Center’s Pediatric Unit. Students hoped to bring some joy to the patients with their cheerful decorations.

In Pell City, the Leadership St. Clair Class of 2013 and the Pell City Garden Club joined forces this spring to obtain and dedicate a Blue Star Marker for the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home. The Blue Star Marker is a tribute to all those who serve in the Armed Forces.

In LaFayette, Ms. Carolyn Edge Wheeler has dedicated herself to the upkeep of the town’s historic Square and City Cemetery. She and her team of volunteers have selflessly maintained LaFayette and collected donations for its upkeep.

In St. Clair County, 55 Gorbel employees sent heartfelt Holiday cards to unknown soldiers and Veterans. These warm messages thank the troops for their sacrifices while wishing them Happy Holidays.

And in Macon County, I had the unique opportunity to present a Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Robert Freeman, a surviving member of the Montford Point Marines. His service and sacrifice is something we all can admire.  

May these selfless acts be examples of how we should live all year long. Merry Christmas to you and your families!

Contact me on this or any issue at mike-rogers.house.gov, like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.