Operation Shoebox sends supplies to soldiers

By P.J. CANDIDO
Staff Writer

 Above: U.S. Coast Guard veteran Nicholas Grego, middle left, and U.S. Army veteran Rob Giorgi, middle right, along with other volunteers, fill cardboard boxes with supplies as part of Operation Shoebox, held at Middlesex County College in Edison on Nov. 10. Below: Maryann Hirsch of Operation Shoebox helps fill boxes. Above: U.S. Coast Guard veteran Nicholas Grego, middle left, and U.S. Army veteran Rob Giorgi, middle right, along with other volunteers, fill cardboard boxes with supplies as part of Operation Shoebox, held at Middlesex County College in Edison on Nov. 10. Below: Maryann Hirsch of Operation Shoebox helps fill boxes. The packages may be small, but their contents can mean the world to a soldier stationed far from home.

Supplies were donated and packaged at Middlesex County College Nov. 10 to be shipped to service members who are deployed overseas.

An array of events that highlighted issues important to military veterans and nonveterans alike were open to the public from Nov. 9-13 to honor service members and veterans during Veterans week.

On Nov. 10, as part of Operation Shoebox New Jersey, the public was invited to join members of the Middlesex County College Veterans and Servicemembers Association to pack supplies collected from the college community at the Edison campus.

 PHOTOS BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR PHOTOS BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR In addition, elementary schools in Edison collected supplies and wrote letters to be included in the care packages for service members. Items included in care packages were soap, shampoo, granola bars, popcorn, batteries, candy and other snacks and toiletries, according to a press release.

Rod Hirsch, founder/executive director of Operation Shoebox NJ, said those who receive care packages while serving overseas are ecstatic to receive supplies from home.

“It is like Christmas morning to them when they receive these care packages,” he said. “They are just getting snacks and supplies that are not available in Afghanistan or Syria, or wherever they happen to be serving.”

Hirsch said this is the 11th year of Operation Shoebox NJ. He said over the course of one year, the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization runs 18-20 packaging events around New Jersey at schools, churches, veterans organizations and other locations.

“Thousands of volunteers come out and give of themselves each year to express their appreciation and care for those who serve overseas,” Hirsch said. “That is how we get it done.”

He said many veterans and family members volunteer to help package and collect goods at every event.

Hirsch said this is the first year Operation Shoebox linked up with Middlesex County College. He said it is a positive experience for all parties involved.

Dennis Penny of North Brunswick, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 2000-2008, is the Middlesex County College Veterans Services Center assistant coordinator. He said events like this help spread awareness.

“The entire community comes together to support veterans and service members,” Penny, 33, said. “When you are deployed, you are in survival mode. A lot of stuff we are used to having here is not available overseas. It is the little stuff in the care packages that really help.”

Orion Miller, incoming vice president of the Middlesex College Veterans Club, said he served in the U.S. Army from 2010-2014. As one with experience who served in Afghanistan in 2012, he said care packages mean a lot to those who receive them.

“You are so separated from everything while you are deployed,” Miller said. “Even the smallest of care packages opens a window back into the normal life you left back at home. It is encouraging to know people are even thinking about you and what you are doing.”

Middlesex County College was named a top college for veterans by three media companies: Military Times, Military Advanced Education and Victory Media, according to a press release.

For additional information about Veterans Week at Middlesex County College, visit vets@middlesexcc.edu.