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Wednesday, July 6, 2005
Palm Coast VFW Post sends boxes of goodies to soldiers overseas
By CARLA BROOKE | News-Journal Correspondent
PALM COAST — Our troops work hard for us overseas, far from home. Few things brighten their days more than mail from friends and loved ones and packages sent by caring groups and individuals.
Palm Coast VFW Post 8696 provides comfort to our deployed forces by collecting, preparing and sending civilian rations to our heroes overseas. U.S. soldiers stationed in areas that are in harm's way are provided their basic needs, but they continue to need and deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness of those left behind at home.
The local VFW attempts to maximize the military's efforts and supply the deployed men and women with items they miss every day.
VFW Post 8696 provides this comfort through its Operation Up-link program. Post Commander Charlie Lee said, "Four organizations are involved in Operation Up-link providing assistance to the VFW: the American Legion and its Auxiliary Post 115, the Elks Club and the 1013 Club (retired New York City police officers)."
Art Mix and his wife, Sandy, co-chair Operation Up-link. He said, "These groups provide needed items and money for postage, but we need the community to donate the items listed here and also the money for shipping. We are currently running low on supplies and would appreciate any assistance the community can provide. Here at the Post, we had at least 12 persons taking part in preparing the boxes to go overseas."
Rose Gagnon, president of the VFW Post 8696 Auxiliary, said, "Anyone who knows of members in the military stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan can give the commander their unit's address and we will send them packages."
Following is a list of items the troops need, want, wish for and could use in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other place around the globe: bug repellent, calamine lotion, Raid, snacks (must be in sealed containers), Oreos, peanuts/mixed nuts, beef jerky, smoked sausage, Pringles, cookies in tins, small packs of crackers, Hard candy and gum, Canned items with pull-tabs such as canned fruit, Books: adventure, mystery, good stories, crossword puzzles, magazines (reading material must be clean, no sex or suggestive materials), Wipes such as Kleenex (individual) or hand wipes (usually for babies), Shaving gel, razor blades or after-shave, etc., Small individual shampoo and soap, such as those found in motels, deodorant, phone cards: Operation Up-link works the best, coffee: single pot type, filters, individual sugar, individual cream, hot chocolate, cocoa mix, cider, playing cards, small games, music CDs, DVDs (must be clean, no sex), lip balm, any type, sun block, at least No. 15, aloe vera gel, pens, pencils, paper, envelopes, Cash can always be used to cover the cost of shipping; for example, a medium-sized package might cost $12 to $18. Bubble Pac (for shipping), no popcorn.
To drop off donations for our men and women in the military, call Post Commander Charlie Lee, (386) 446-8696 or (386) 446-8516. Palm Coast VFW Post 8696 is at 47 Old Kings Road N. in Palm Coast.