—GALAXY CITY, December 17, 2005

The members of the Freedom Corps have always been regarded as heroes for fighting crime in Paragon City.  Now, they are heroes in quite a different way, a way that many in Paragon City will find just as special.

Last Tuesday, Freedom Corps issued a press release detailing a secret holiday plan referred to as Operation Holiday Cheer.  The plan started early this year with heroes contributing toys and money to a special division of the new Longbow organization designed to raise morale in Paragon City and reinvigorate its citizens with a sense of pride.

Ms. Liberty and other heroes celebrate Operation Holiday Cheer

Miss Liberty said in a recent interview with the Free Press, “When I created Freedom Corps, my intention was to do more than just fight evil.  I also wanted to help make this a city that all of the people can be proud to call home.”  Last month, Freedom Corps began using the donations it had received to purchase gifts for the underprivileged children in Paragon City.

Manticore, a key leader in Operation Holiday Cheer, said, “I’m just blown away by how much heroes are willing to give.  I thought it would be a tough sell convincing my colleagues to give up some crime-fighting gadgets for Tinkertoys, but everyone really came through. And Miss Liberty, she especially came through on this one.”

The percentage of low-income families has skyrocketed in Paragon City since the Rikti Invasion of 2002, although the economy has been slowly recovering.  In the past three years, many families have been concentrating on having enough food and other necessities of life.

The family of Jake Turlough is one such family.  Before the invasion, Jake ran a pastry shop in Founders’ Falls.  “My store was smack in the middle of a battle between the Rikti and some of the city’s heroes,” Jake said.  “After the war, we had nothing and had to start over from square one.   It’s hard, you know.   We’re just glad we’re all together for Christmas, but sometimes... well, sometimes it’s just hard.”  Jake’s family is grateful for the time they spend with each other, but this year, thanks to the efforts of Hero Corps, Jake’s kids will have even more reasons to be grateful.

A short ceremony was held in front of the Hero Corps headquarters to announce Operation Holiday Cheer.   Many famous heroes and heroines were in attendance, including Statesman, Manticore, Sister Psyche, Positron, and Synapse.  The Paragon City Police Department and several members of the Longbow Corps were in attendance as well.

In his introduction of Miss Liberty, Statesman said, “It’s no secret how proud I am of Miss Liberty.  Just when I wonder at how she goes so far beyond the call of duty, she continues to surprise me in new and exciting ways.  And to the members of Hero Corps, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the good you have done for the city.  I continue to be inspired by your courage and humbled by your selflessness.”

The donations received from Hero Corps will be given out over the next week, and a fund has been set up for private citizens and corporations to donate to the cause for the 2006 holiday season.  Citizens interested in taking part in next year’s events should call the Freedom Corps headquarters in Galaxy City and ask for the Holiday Cheer coordination department.