USO Care Package Distribution Facility opens
With an increase in troops underway in Afghanistan and the war on terror continuing for 16 years since September 11, many people look for a way to help but don't know how.
With an increase in troops underway in Afghanistan and the war on terror continuing for 16 years since September 11, many people look for a way to help but don't know how.
The United Service Organization in Howland has an easy way, for people enjoying freedoms at home, to help show support for men and women serving in harm's way.
In Howland, a new USO Care Package Distribution Facility opened its doors not far from Howland High School.
The facility accepts donations of personal care items and snacks to send to troops deployed overseas.
Bruce Bille, a member on the board of directors of USO Northern Ohio, said, "It's very important for the morale of the troops to be able to receive stuff from home, to know that the people they're fighting for are supporting them. They also enjoy a note of support. Those must be open and not in an envelope."
Over 50 members of the Harley Owner's Group held a bike run to Camp Ravenna.
Members wanted to bring attention to the newly opened facility.
They brought bags and bags of personal item and snacks.
Joe Morand, director of Warren Harley Owner's Group (HOG), said, "Most of our members are either military, retired military or have family members who are or children who are, and we just can't do enough for these men and women, for everything they do for us."
Matt Patrick, assistant director for Warren HOG, said, "It's a new facility here and we just want to raise awareness for the facility so the community knows it's here and how they can donate."
The facility is accepting toiletries such as tooth paste, deodorant (not in spray form), sunscreen, lip balm, baby wipes for soldiers and Marines who can't bathe in the field along with socks and personal care items.
Snacks that don't melt, such as peanut butter crackers, beef jerky, Slim Jim's and powdered drinks are in demand along with hot sauce to spice up food.
People can drop off donations between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
Larger drop offs can be scheduled on other days by making arrangements.
