Manchester Senior Is All In For Veterans With Donation Drive

MANCHESTER, NJ — As the commanding officer of the Navy Junior ROTC at Manchester Township High School, Mia Caruso has strong feelings about those who have served the United States in the military.

It's why Caruso has turned her senior service project for the National Honor Society into a way to serve those who have served.

Caruso, who has grown up in a military family — her father has served in the U.S. military for nearly 30 years — has launched All Hands In For Veterans, which aims to support the Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell Veterans Affairs Clinic in Toms River. The project aims to collect essential and comfort items for veterans receiving care at the VA hospital.

She is seeking a range of items including personal care items, new clothing and socks, books, puzzles, games, art supplies, lap robes, blankets, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, and feminine hygiene products. New items are preferred, she said.

"We live in one of the largest veteran communities in Manchester, and it has always meant a lot to me to connect with veterans through JROTC events and town activities," Caruso said. "This project is my way of giving back and showing appreciation to those who have given so much in service to our country."

Caruso said she plans to continue in the ROTC through the U.S. Army in college and hopes to become a commissioned Army officer after graduation. She also is pursuing a career as a pharmacist.

The donation drive runs through March 6, and items are welcomed from the entire community.

Donations can be dropped off at Manchester Township High School, 101 Hawks Way, Manchester, between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Personal care items:

• New clothing, socks
• Books
• Puzzles
• Games
• Art Supplies
• Lap Robes
• Blankets
• Kitchen Supplies
• Cleaning Supplies
• Feminine Hygiene Products

Questions can be directed to Dina Silvestri, Manchester Schools public information officer, at dsilvestri@mtschools.org.