By Glenn Rolfe

This holiday delivery was not made by sleigh.

Three days after Christmas, a 16-foot box truck, packed with Delmarva generosity, arrived in Ashland, Kentucky, part of a humanitarian mission spearheaded by Vietnam Veterans of America’s Chapter 1105 of Sussex County.

On board were new and used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, 65 boxes of canned food from Mountaire, bathroom supplies, toys, books, cases of water, tools, paper products, small household appliances and other necessities.

The cargo’s final destination: Mayfield, one of the southwestern Kentucky towns devastated by tornadoes Dec. 10.

“It was filled to the rafters,” said Rodger Rose, Chapter 1105 president. “Everybody just went out of their way. Everybody wanted to do what they could do. It makes you feel good … that we did it.”

The only obstacle, Mr. Rose reported, was a rather rough ride. “With all that weight, we felt every bump in the road!” he said.

Mr. Rose and his travel partner, Greg Hudowalski, met up with VVA representatives of Kentucky, including state president Jack Mattingly, in Ashland.

“VVA Chapter 1104 was there to load everything into two rental trailers and pickup trucks. They were four great people and very happy to get all the supplies,” said Mr. Rose. “They drove four hours to meet us. That really cut down our travel time.”

He added that a Vietnam veteran “wandered over to see what was going on. He was a big help. We got everything loaded into their vehicles, except the lighted Christmas tree given to us from Home Depot. I convinced the vet who stopped by to take the tree and give it to his church.”

Mr. Rose said Chapter 1105 recognized Penske Milford for the truck rental.

In addition, support came via donations from businesses, individuals and homeowners associations.

“People really helped. Everyone gave so generously,” said Mr. Rose. “Chapter … 1105 is proud of all the people who helped with this project.”