Jackie and Jeff Johnson created a "Spirit of Giving" last weekend at their home in Herndon. The couple — who operate JJDeli at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course — held an open house for friends while asking all guests to bring gifts for soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Active in helping area charities for the past eight years, Jackie Johnson said helping America's soldiers was a perfect fit because her husband served in the Army for 20 years.
After receiving a list of needed items from the medical center, the Johnsons sent out invitations to friends and acquaintances in the area asking them to attend the open house while bringing an item to be donated. During this year's open house guests mingled and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres before listening to holiday carols from Girl Scout Troop 246.
The couple is collecting books of stamps, squishy pillows, portable DVD and CD players, winter jackets, breakaway pants and hooded sweatshirts, among other things. At the party they received 15 DVDs, 15 CD players, 10 books of stamps, 18 hooded sweatshirts, four sweatshirts and three coats. Residents wanting to contribute additional items can drop them at JJDeli inside the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. A box is designated inside the building for donated items. All items must be in before Friday, Dec. 16. Any questions, e-mail JJDeli@cox.net.