I recently attended a meeting of the Salute Burlco Troops. The work being done by this group is quite impressive!!
In conjunction with American Legion Post #11 they have put together a fundraiser on August 29th at Dempster’s Pub in Mount Holly. More info on their website or the Jersey Made Facebook page.
Salute Burlco Troops is a non-profit organization. One of the ways they use the funds is to host Welcome Home Events for soldiers coming back from deployment. They also have a program where they send men and women currently serving overseas care packages. The mission is to enhance the quality of life to the soldier serving in Iraq/Afghanistan by sending “The Comforts of Home”. They send boxes of items directly to soldiers or units. All of the packing is done on a volunteer basis.
So I got thinking about what I would do without some of the things on this list. It really struck home for me that it must be extra challenging when you do not have “The Comforts of Home”. This is a local group supporting our own soldiers while they are serving our county.
I have volunteered to have a collection box at Jersey Made for any donated items that can be included in these packages from home. Please print out this list or jot down a few things that you couldn’t live without for 30 days and take it with you while shopping. Perhaps pick up an item or more to bring with you next time you stop in Jersey Made.
deodorant (stick or roll-0n), lip balm, sunscreen lotion, toothbrushes/toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, baby powder, shower to shower (removes sand), Gold Bond foot powder, body wash, loofahs, soap bars, body lotion, hand lotion, antibacterial wipes (small packs), hand sanitizer, disposable razors (men/women), shaving cream (no aerosol), shampoo, conditioner, flip flops (to protect feet), Visine or Saline eye drops, toilet paper, Kleenex, insect repellent, fly paper strips, and fly swatters (they mentioned this one at the meeting and said this was something the soldiers asked if we could help!), cookies, crackers, ramon noodles, chewing gum, licorice, breath mints, tootsie rolls, dry roasted peanuts/mixed nuts, Pringles chip (in the can), dried fruit, sunflower seeds, slim jims, beef jerky, popcorn (microwave), Country Time, Snapple, Crystal Light, Cparisun energy drinks (singles to go)
Please no aerosols!
Tickets for the August 29th event will also be available at Jersey Made.
It’s something little that we can all do but I am sure it makes a big difference to the soldiers serving our country away from home!!
