Join Operation Shoebox Packing Event to Help Troops Overseas

Submitted by Rod Hirsch

The Hillsborough Rotary Club is inviting members of the community to help box holiday care packages that will be shipped overseas by Operation Shoebox New Jersey during its third annual Christmas Packing on Saturday, at the Hillsborough Family YMCA beginning at 10 a.m.

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 best wishes and good cheer.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey will supply ample supplies collected during the weeks leading up to the event, but those who attend are asked to bring the following items:  Moist wipes; powder; deodorant, small pop-top cans of tuna and fruits, beef jerky and 1oz. boxes of dry cereal.

“This will be our final packing event of 2013,” said Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey. “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.”

Operation Shoebox New Jersey, a 501C3 non-profit corporation, has shipped more than 73,000 personal care packages overseas since 2005. All donations are tax deductible.

Hirsch said the goal is to pack at least 1,000 care packages with Rotary members and volunteers at the YMCA, located at 19 East Mountain Road in Hillsborough.

Everyone will be encouraged to Adopt a Soldier by making a $25 donation to sponsor a holiday care package that will include a sponsor letter with a personal message inserted into 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,” he added.

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,” Marulli said.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Rotary.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey will also be selling a variety of items during the event to raise funds to pay shipping costs.

Further information is available by calling Operation Shoebox New Jersey at (908) 698-0333 or visit the website at www.opshoeboxnj.org