San Benito County 4-H member Gabe Hatcher is leading a service project to send care packages to American service personnel serving overseas.
May is Military Appreciation Month, and this project is meant to show them how much they are remembered at home, according to an announcement on the project.
According to the announcement about Hatcher’s involvement with the Gilroy-based chapter of Operation Interdependence:
The U.S. has over a quarter of a million people serving around the world. They are in need of care packages, letters of encouragement and thanks from home. Please donate the following items that will be placed in a quart-size bag.
Operation Interdependence is a 100 percent volunteer organization that was launched in 2001 with a mission to distribute donated care packages to soldiers.
Gabe Hatcher, an Anzar High School Senior and Cienega 4-H Club member, will be coordinating the 4-H collection drive that will culminate in packing and shipping overseen by the Gilroy chapter of Operation Interdependence. Though care package items are requested, there is also a need for donations to cover shipping costs, which can be up to $800 a month. As part of the campaign, letters of encouragement and appreciation are requested. These are especially treasured by the recipients that are so far away from home and family.
Please drop off your donations and letters to any of the following businesses and locations. Look for collection boxes at San Benito County 4-H office Mon. & Tues. from 9 am – 5pm, Ranchers Feed on 1st St., Redbeard Communications on 5th St., Nino Real Estate and Intero Real Estate on San Benito St., Bella Charm on Prospect Ave and McAbee Feed on McCloskey Rd . If you need further information or have bulk items to donate, please contact Gabe Hatcher at (831) 801-8784 or if you wish tax deductible information for your donations.
Suggested Items to Donate For the Troops
Food:
· Small powdered drink packets ( Crystal Light, Zip Fizz etc.)
· Beef jerky/Beef sticks (individual serving size 1 – 2 oz.)
· Cornuts 2 oz. & Nuts- almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds ( 1.5 – 2 oz)
· Cookies (individual packs est. 2oz)
· Gum (Eclipse is their favorite!)
· Granola Bars/Rice Crispy Treats
· Trail Mix (1.5 – 2.5 0z)
· Tea Bags
· Starbucks Via coffee individuals
Toiletries:
· Travel size shampoo & conditioner
· Chapstick (with seal intact)
· Socks
· OdorEaters for boots
· Razors
· Eye Drops (with seal intact)
· Individual hand wipes
· Purse size baby wipes
· Travel size toothpaste (sealed)
· Toothbrushes (sealed)
· Decks of playing cards
