Packing will take place Dec. 6 at Hillsborough YMCA
During the holiday season, a package containing favorite foods and toiletries is always a welcomed gift, but never as much as when it is received by a member of the military serving abroad.
The Hillsborough Rotary Club, in association with Operation Shoebox New Jersey, will help ensure that troops abroad receive a special gift by organizing the fourth annual Christmas packing event on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillsborough YMCA, 19 East Mountain Road. Members of the community are invited to participate.
"The holiday season is a particularly difficult time for military to be away from home and family," said Hillsborough Rotary Club President Anthony Franchini, "and receiving a package from home filled with familiar items goes a long way in keeping up morale."
Rod Hirsch, Operation Shoebox director, said, "The Rotary’s packing event is not only very organized, it is a fun event for all who participate. We receive wonderful feedback directly from the troops about how much they look forward to receiving these packages."
Last year, more than 1,100 packages containing an assortment of foods, treats and toiletries were assembled by more than 100 volunteers young and old from Hillsborough and adjoining communities. The individual bags are grouped together into small boxes and then into larger containers for shipment abroad.
The cost of shipping these boxes to the troops is funded by donations from the Hillsborough Rotary and members of the public. Cash donations to offset shipping costs can be made at the event or sent in advance by check to Operation Shoebox, 152 Route 206, Hillsborough 08844. Donations of appropriate, non-perishable food items, snacks, and toiletries, etc. can be dropped of at the same location.
To participate in the packing event, volunteers need only show up at the Hillsborough YMCA on Dec. 6. Rotary volunteers will provide packing instructions.
Operation Shoebox New Jersey, based in Hillsborough, was founded in February 2005. It is an all-volunteer grass roots organization dedicated to collecting donated supplies and shipping care packages to U.S. troops based in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle East countries. The Hillsborough Rotary Club has more than 40 active members from Hillsborough and surrounding communities. Members include business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Hillsborough Rotary serves the Hillsborough community. All funds raised at the Rotary Fair are donated back to community projects. The Hillsborough Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pheasants Landing Restaurant in Hillsborough.
For information about the event and making cash or in-kind donations, call , Hillsborough Rotary Club President Anthony Franchini at 908-561-6271.