Salvation Army Officer to Skydive for Families Saturday

 It’s not something Lt. Jay Koebel ever saw himself doing. It’s not even on his “bucket list,” but it is on his “Christmas list!” Bringing awareness about Red Kettle donations as well as the serious need for donations of Food and Toys is the motivation for this young Salvation Army officer to take this idea to flight and “Dive into Christmas.” The jump and a community party will take place this Saturday, December 1st, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Tsumani Skydivers, 480 Airport Road, Oceanside.

There will be refreshments, a Salvation Army brass band and a giant Red Kettle. All are welcome to enjoy the festivities and are encouraged to bring food or a new, unwrapped toy. At 3:30 pm, dressed in full Salvation Army uniform, Lt. Koebel will climb into an airplane to take the leap.

“Sharing love is what Christmas is all about. To show that this is a really big deal, I’m willing to jump out of a plane!” explains Lt. Koebel. “In Oceanside, we are seeing families with such great needs, families with one parent ill and the other working two jobs, and as many as five children sharing a bedroom. It breaks my heart. I love this community and that is why I’m doing this.”

The Salvation Army in Oceanside has signed up 700+ families who need Christmas assistance, including 1,846 children who need toys.

Adding to that, all seven Salvation Army locations throughout the county have signed up more than 5,000 families and 15,453 children for toys.

—The Salvation Army