Plenty of chances to serve this Christmas

As the Christmas season arrives, there are a large number of service opportunities for San Juan County residents.
Donations are being accepted for Atreyu Martinez, the son of April Langston and Steven Martinez, who underwent surgery and is hospitalized at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.
A donation account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank and donation jars are at area businesses.
The Monticello High School basketball team is completing a fund raiser. Proceeds will benefit a Four Corners-area mother who has been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. The 46-year-old mother of 11 children faces health challenges, and her husband is out of work.
All proceeds from the sale of Buckaroo basketball t-shirts will go to help the family. Shirts are $10 and will be available at the Monticello - San Juan basketball game on December 23.
The Sapper unit of the Utah National Guard, based in Blanding, is currently stationed in Afghanistan.
SFC James E. Thode, who served as the platoon sergeant for the sappers, was killed in action on December 2. Two additional local soldiers were injured in the same attack.
Members of the Sapper’s families were honored at a Christmas luncheon at the Lamplight Restaurant on December 14.
The group included the widow and daughter of SFC Thode and Major General Brian Tarbet of the Utah National Guard.