HILLSBOROUGH: Rotary looks for help in packing holiday boxes for troops

Can you donate time on Saturday at the YMCA?

   The Hillsborough Rotary Club invites members of the community to help box holiday care packages that will be shipped overseas by Operation Shoebox New Jersey.
   The annual Christmas packing will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Hillsborough Family YMCA at 19 East Mountain Road.
   Volunteers will prepare bags of food items and toiletry items that will be packed into boxes along with Girl Scout cookies, bagged candy and letters of wishes and cheer.
   Operation Shoebox New Jersey will supply supplies collected during the weeks leading up to the event, but those who attend are asked to bring moist wipes, powder deodorant, small pop-top cans of tuna and fruits, beef jerky and one-ounce boxes of dry cereal.
   ”It’s been an extraordinary year; our support continues to grow, with tons of supplies donated throughout the year with enough financial support to ensure our supply line of care packages continues uninterrupted,” said Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey.
   Operation Shoebox New Jersey has shipped more than 73,000 personal care packages overseas since 2005. All donations are tax deductible.
   Mr. Hirsch said the goal is to pack at least 1,000 care packages with Rotary members and volunteers on Saturday.
   People are encouraged to Adopt a Soldier by making a $25 donation to sponsor a care package that will include a sponsor letter with a personal message in each box.
   ”We’re hoping everyone will make the $25 donation to Adopt a Soldier,” said Rotary member Dr. Dan Marulli, coordinator of the packing event. “In so doing, they will make the soldier, sailor or airman a member of their family for the holiday season.”
   The Hillsborough Rotary works throughout the year to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey.
   ”The Rotary values its relationship with Operation Shoebox New Jersey and is honored to support our soldiers,” Dr. Marulli said.
   Lunch and refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Rotary.
   Operation Shoebox New Jersey will sell a variety of items to raise funds to pay shipping costs.
   For information, call 908-698-0333 or visit the website at www.opshoeboxnj.org.