Operation Shoebox at Y Today

From  Hillsborough Rotary and Operation Shoebox NJ:

Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff pack gift boxes and send Christmas greetings to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan at the Hillsborough YMCA  today.
The packing is being held in conjunction with members of the Hillsborough Rotary with volunteer registration beginning at 10 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. The Y is located at 19 East Mountain Road.

Soldiers and Marines who were recipients of OPSHBX NJ gift packages during their overseas deployments are expected to attend and extend their thanks to the volunteers.

Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items.

The packages sent overseas will include a box of Girl Scout cookies donated by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council; bagged candy collected from 15 Walgreen stores donated by shoppers as well as Halloween candy donated by area dentist offices; cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short letter or Christmas card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. We'll also add stuffed animals and other gift items for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children

There will be raffles with hourly drawings for prizes and gifts. OPSHBX NJ will also be selling its 2013 gift calendar, filled with photographs of US troops overseas.

Since its founding in February, 2005, OPSHBX NJ volunteers have shipped over 59,000 personal care packages overseas.

Financial support is also needed to help pay the costs of shipping the packages. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance on the OPSHBX NJ website.

Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information or check their website.

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Photo from a 2008 Operation Shoebox at Manville VFW.