GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A community effort to support military families during deployment season is gaining momentum across Wayne County.
Kriquette’s Kidz has officially launched Operation Love in Action, an initiative designed to provide encouragement and practical support to families connected to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
While organizers say they appreciate and support military families everywhere, the effort intentionally focuses on the local community — home to thousands of service members and their loved ones.
One of the most visible ways residents can show their support is through “Your Community Is Behind You!” yard signs, available for a suggested $20 donation. Proceeds from the signs directly support Operation Love in Action efforts, including grocery gift cards, gas cards, restaurant gift cards from local businesses, and encouragement for military spouses and children navigating deployment.
Due to overwhelming community support, organizers recently had to place a second order of yard signs after the first round quickly sold out.
Beginning Thursday, March 5, the signs have been available at several local businesses that volunteered to help distribute them, including:
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Accucopy
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Bicycle World
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Bobby Denning Realty
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Brick’s Neapolitan Pizza
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Casey Garden Center
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Crawford Henderson Insurance
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Eli’s Friends
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Homestation Properties
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Red Devil Hardware
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Southern Bank – Wayne Memorial Drive
Organizers offered special thanks to Accucopy for printing and turning around the signs quickly, as well as to the many local businesses stepping up to help support the initiative.
Community members who have already purchased signs are encouraged to proudly display them at their homes or businesses as a visible reminder that the community stands behind those who serve and the families who support them at home.
Leaders say the effort also serves as a reminder for neighbors to look out for one another during deployment seasons, which can bring long days, added stress, and quiet challenges for military spouses and children.
Sometimes the most meaningful acts of support are simple — a prayer, a note of encouragement, patience, or checking in on a neighbor.
Residents can support Operation Love in Action in several ways:
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Display a yard sign
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Pray for service members and their families
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Check on neighbors who may be carrying additional stress
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Write encouraging notes for military spouses or children
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Share information about the initiative with others
Resources raised through the program will be distributed quietly and respectfully through trusted partners to protect the privacy and safety of military families.
Organizers say Operation Love in Action will continue evolving as new partnerships form and community needs become clearer.
Those wishing to contribute directly can donate online at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/love-in-action-2
“We may not wear the uniform,” organizers said, “but together we can help carry the load.”
