“It was amazing to watch so many people working together,” Shelan says. “We were surprised at how many people actually showed up. I think as people were walking by they discovered what we were doing and wanted to help. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces, knowing that they were doing something for the men and women overseas, was wonderful. Everyone was just thrilled to be able to help.”
Landau was also impressed with the level of participation. “They had to buy more gifts because they wrapped everything in sight that wasn’t tied down,” she says. “I think it touched a nerve with people here in the community because so many people have friends, family, and acquaintances in Iraq and overseas.”
The little things mean a lot
In addition to the 1,500 gifts supplied by Operation Troop Support, Brooksby volunteers also added their own donations for the troops. New socks, disposable cameras, and candy were all popular donations. Operation Troop Support supplied all of the wrapping materials.
“It was a ‘feel-good’ experience,” Landry says. “Everyone thought that the afternoon was wonderful.”
Volunteers wondering if their efforts would make a difference wouldn’t have to look far. Paula Young, occupational therapy assistant at Brooksby has been involved with Operation Troop Support since 2005 when her boyfriend was deployed in Iraq.
“Operation Troop Support gives family, friends, and concerned citizens the support they need. People who don’t know where to turn for help,” Young says. “The organization will do anything for the soldiers overseas, not to mention their families here at home. It’s a great resource for people who want to support the troops, but don’t know where to start.”
Strong support
According to the military command in charge of providing access to items of necessity and convenience to military families the world over, support for America’s troops is at an all time high jumping more than 300% during the 2006 holiday season.
“There’s no ‘corner store’ in Iraq or Afghanistan,” says Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Bryan Eaton of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), the military’s oldest and largest exchange service. “PX and BX retail operations go where our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines go to provide access to snacks, sodas, and entertainment material like magazines, CDs, and DVDs.”
Today, AAFES operates 54 PX/BX facilities throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The stock assortment found in these exchanges varies from location to location, but even the most basic operation provides access to toiletries, phone cards, and cold drinks.
Volunteers at Brooksby continue to collect items to send to the troops overseas. For more information on how you can volunteer and donate to the men and women in our armed forces stationed overseas, log onto www.troopsupportusa.com for a current list of needed items and supplies.