Sailors from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lent a helping hand to those less fortunate this holiday season through community relations (COMRELs) efforts organized by the ship's Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD).

"The focus was on making a difference," said Lt. Cmdr. James Dance, a chaplain aboard Truman. "As a representative of the ship, we try to entrust [in] our Sailors the value of identifying needs in the community and then trying to impact those areas of need."

According to Dance, more than 1,200 Truman Sailors volunteered a total of 5,236 hours of service to their partners in the Norfolk area, impacting almost 1.3 million civilians.

The COMRELs give Sailors the opportunity to serve their nation outside of their normal workspace. Truman Sailors supported a Thanksgiving Feast hosted by the Salvation Army in Norfolk, Nov. 19, and volunteered at a gift donation drop off site Dec. 2.

During the Thanksgiving COMREL, Truman Sailors provided support in the kitchen, making food and preparing plates prior to passing them out to families.

Volunteers also sat down and had conversations with the families, keeping them company as they ate.

"We fed families that are members of the Salvation Army," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Devante Marable. "It brought together not only Truman Sailors, but also [as a whole group from] different organizations and sororities."

A total of 30 Truman Sailors volunteered at the Thanksgiving Feast and the gift donation drop-off site.

"It's great to give back to the community," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Cindy Islas, a Truman volunteer. "Three hours just isn't enough but it's better to give when we can than not give at all."

Dance said that CRMD's priority is to encourage Truman Sailors to take opportunities to give back and get involved with the community.

"A lot of people have a hard time going out and finding these volunteering opportunities," said Marable. "CRMD can make finding these events easy or even organize them for the command. It makes it easier for Sailors to volunteer, as well as, helps the command reach out to the community."

Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for future operations.

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