Support Our Troops Drive November 14, 2009

Troop Support Drive starts at the Vero Beach Power Squadron

I attended the VBPS General Meeting and listened to discussion about the SUPPORT OUR TROOPS drive. This is a yearly event at the VBPS. In the past the VBPS members would purchase items from a list and drop them at the squadron building. A team would address packages to individual’s servicemen who were in country. They would be delivered to the US Post Office. These boxes were weighed, the VBPS paid the shipping cost and the USPS delivered the boxes to the troops. A few glitches occurred during the process and the VBPS had a few boxes returned undeliverable. This year the process has changed.
We are starting the drive again but this year we are working with the help of the Air Force Sergeants” Association (AFSA). We will collect from our member’s simple necessities and small treats for our troops in the Middle East. The treats are in very short supply in the field and very much appreciated.
Mary Lichty-Nelson is coordinating this activity and is working with the local AFSA. With help from VBPS members, they collect and box the treats and make arrangements to deliver them to Patrick Air force Base. The servicemen on the flight line find space on outgoing planes, load them and transport them for delivery to the field.
WE MUST HAVE YOUR DONATIONS NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 6TH.
If you wish to participate in this event you may bring your packages to the VBPS building located at 301 Acacia Road, prior to the date noted. The facility is open at 5:30 every Friday night.
For more information about the Vero Beach Power Squadron see www.verobeachps.com

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PHONE CARDS Dried fruit/Raisins
Powdered drink mixes(lemonade, tang Granola Bars
Gatorade, etc.) Trail Mix
Tea Bags Microwave Popcorn
Hot Chocolate Liquid Soap
Nuts (Mixed, peanuts, etc.) Hand sanitizer (ie Purell)
Non-melting candy (like mints,starburst Chap-stick
Skittles, gummi bears, etc.) Sun Screen
Chewing Gum Hand/body lotion
Peanut Butter Wet-wipes
Cookies/snack crackers Feminine Products
Fruit Cups/pudding cups Eye Drops
Soup in a cup Powder
Beef Jerky/slim jims Insect repellent
Tuna in pouches DVDs (used are fine)
Microwave Meals (not refrigerated) CDs (used are fine)
Hot cereal packets