By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

As the news unfolded concerning the USS Fitzgerald and a merchant ship colliding off the coast of Japan, one family in Orangefield was holding their breath while waiting to hear of their son, Skylar Click.

Another sailor, Josh Mason, of Lumberton, was also on this ship and relayed to his mother, Denise Mason, the news of Click being among the survivors. Denise had seen Skylar’s parents post on Facebook of their concerns of not hearing from him.

“We are so very thankful to her for giving us the news,” Tesha Click said. “A friend was asking for prayers as we were waiting to hear from Skylar.”

Skylar, a class clown with a giving heart, was fortunate he was not in his sleeping quarters at the time of the collision.

“He lost everything,” Tesha said.

Several local businesses have become collection sites for those who want to aid the young man.

“When I saw Tesha’s post regarding Skyler being aboard the ship and not knowing if he was safe, I couldn’t imagine being in the position the Clicks were in.

Thankfully, they received word from Skyler that he was safe, but he had lost all of his possessions,” Chris Kovatch said. “While I did not serve in the military, I have numerous family members who did serve and are currently serving, which makes this situation hit close to home. My first thought was ‘how can we help?’”

Kovatch said he has not met Skylar but is friends with his parents.

Items the sailor needs:

Sock, underwear (medium/32), shirts (M), shorts (medium/32) shoes(12). Also, Visa gift cards are a great idea too, according to a Facebook post for Thayer Dance Academy.

Tesha said gift cards will help Skylar as many businesses will ship to APO addresses for free.

Locations collecting donations are:

Something Beautiful Salon

5618 FM 408 in Orangefield

Shabby Chic

314 Henrietta Street in Orange

Merle Norman

2224 MacArthur Drive in Orange

Thayer Dance Academy

9908 FM 105 in Orangefield