American Legion Collecting 'Jerky For The Troops' In Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Did you know jerky is one of the most frequently requested comfort items by U.S. troops overseas? Greg Padovani, chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee of Arlington Heights, said local veterans groups are assisting the Northwest Towns Sportsmens's Club (located in Wauconda) with their annual Jerky For The Troops program.

The drive is sponsored by VFW Post 981, American Legion Post 208, Sons of the American Legion 208, Auxiliary Post 208, and Junior Auxiliary Post 208. According to Padovani, the project's mission is to collect fresh venison from local hunters and package it safely to ship to the US troops. The program reaches new collection records annually with hundreds of pounds of high protein, fresh, free-range venison being turned into jerky. Other comfort items for the troops are also being collected.

For those interested, there are a number of ways to get involved.

Adopt a Box

The "Adopt a Box" program is a $25 donation (actual shipping cost of an APO box) or more if desired. A donation box is set up at American Legion Post 208, 121 N Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, through the end of February.

"We encourage sending a letter or picture of encouragement to our soldiers, letting them know that America is thinking and supporting them," Padovani said.

Item donations and letters for the “Adopt a Box” can be dropped off or mailed to the American Legion Post 208, 121 N Douglas Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Checks should be made out to NWTSC mail to American Legion Post 208, 121 N Douglas Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or Dale Berg, 702 W Burning Tree Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, or bring the day of jerky making, or boxing day.

Deer Donations

Those interested in donating deer can contact Dale Berg at 847-636-1479 or bergda@comcast.net

Schedule of Processing and Packaging

At the American Legion Post 208, volunteers will gather to lay out the strips in trays to be dehydrated later at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Volunteers will gather to box jerky, donated items and letters that will be sent to the troops at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16.

Suggested Items for the Troops

• Personal hygiene items, including high quality razors, foot powder, chap stick, dental floss, toothbrushes, 8 oz shampoo or travel sizes for men and women
• Food and snacks, including snacks such as protein bars, granola bars, nuts (roasted peanuts, cashews, almonds etc.), sunflower seeds, fruit snacks, cookies, instant soup mixes, roman noodles.
• Candy and gum, including brand name chewing gum, Life Saver rolls, hard candy, Swedish fish, skittles individually wrapped licorice, airheads, etc.
• Pocket sized powdered drinks, including Propel powder drinks, protein powder drinks, packets of hot chocolate, instant coffee, lemonade, energy-C.
• Miscellaneous, including stationary, envelopes, dice, travel-size games, socks, etc.

Organizers are asking for no large size shampoos or liquids as they will be rejected by the U.S. Post Office.