by Alex Skurka, Reporter, WVTV
AURORA – Waubonsie Valley is collecting items for Operation Support Our Troops in preparation for the school’s Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 11th. Operations Support Our Troops is a non-for-profit charity that supports the American Military in the field.
(photo credit / WVTV)
“For the snack drive at your school, we would definitely love things like granola bars, oatmeal packets, coffee singles, drink mixed singles, like Gatorade or Crystal Light,” said Executive Director of Operation Support Our Troops America Linda Tuisl. “Those types of things are always in need and requested. People often forget that troops are still serving our country. There’s so much that we can still do, and sending a care package gives them a little touch of home. We often get letters from the troops telling us they appreciate what we’re doing and that these boxes mean a lot, that we have not forgotten them.”
Because of the pandemic, Operation Support Our Troops has received lower donation numbers than usual, so this year is especially important to them. “Many organizations are giving to food pantries or different locations versus us, we used to get a significant amount of products donated to us. So in turn, we have to purchase those items, which takes away from our mission.”
(photo credit / WVTV)
“We plan to pack 4,000 to 5,500 stockings to get to deployed troops in time, which is why we have to start in October because it could take up to four weeks for the box to reach them. Each stocking has some little touches from home, treats things like batteries, some hygiene items, and they’re stacked and full to the brim. We also are always in need of funds to purchase things that maybe we get too many of one item and we need other items. We find out that troops are asking for very specific items that they might be in need of.”
Donation items can be dropped in boxes in the school’s atrium. For a full list of items that can be donated, visit supportourtroops.org.