Rent-to-own News - Rent One helps brighten holiday for troops overseas

Rent One Vice President Murray Beck (top left),  President Trent Agin (top right), Mark Williams (bottom left) and David Keen (bottom right) with members of the JCOIF Committee.

Members of the Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom Committee (JCOIF) stopped by the Rent One Corporate office this weekend to thank Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire Rent One Family for being the first donors to this year's fund raiser.

The organization raises funds for holiday gift cards for Jefferson County troops currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

This year's effort  -- the sixth for JCOIF -- was a record breaker earning close to $40,000 which will provide 51 troops each with a $750 military exchange gift card which can be used at any military exchange site, even online.

All cards will be mailed by mid-December.

Rent One Employment Development Specialist David Keen helped start the organization and serves as its co-chair. Keen, a retired Army Master Sgt. and veteran said he's seen tremendous growth of the fundraiser which raised $6,200 its first year.

"That's why our committee wanted to personally thank Rent One for their passion and desire in helping these soldiers out," Keen said. "Especially with the economy down we were a little nervous. But Rent One really stepped up to the plate."   

Keen, who was quick to thank Rent One for allowing him time to work on behalf of the JCOIF, and the numerous individuals, and companies who contributed to the various fundraisers held over the past year, said the success of the organization this year was especially telling of the deep support the area has for its service members.

As an example, Keen noted an October luncheon fundraiser in which 1,200 pork chops were sold off in 45 minutes flat.

And neither is Rent One a stranger to honoring members of the armed services.

The company presented over 180 medallions to local veterans in special ceremonies in Olney, and Salem, Illinois this year. The effort to honor veterans past and present is one Rent One owner Larry Carrico is proud claim. The JCOIF gift card fundraiser is just one more way to do that.

"This is really a special event because here are people protecting our country far away from home and their loved ones and many times we forget," Carrico said. "I think its an invaluable service because its one of those things that's overlooked so often. A lot of credit has to go to David Keen who's really put his heart and soul into this."

mevans@rtohq.org