Help Make a Soldier Smile; Donate to the Operation Support Our Troops Drive in Larchmont

It’s the little things that count in life, they say.  Maybe it’s a favorite magazine or some hand warmers to make a cold night less bitter, or, better yet, a hand drawn picture of a smiling snowman that says “Merry Christmas—we love you.”  For troops stationed overseas during the holidays, receiving a care package filled with familiar items and supportive words is more than a fulfillment of a wish list; it’s a confirmation that people—lots of them—appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of being a soldier.

Since 2006, New Rochelle resident Jennie McFarland has organized to collect money and goods for care packages to be sent to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This year, the drive will take place on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at in Larchmont and will benefit troops in Afghanistan. Volunteers are needed to help pack and prepare boxes for shipment.

Some can attest to the impact the packages have had on troops.

According to Philip Keane, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marines, who grew up in Larchmont and did two tours in Iraq from 2006-8, “The care packages were great. It was nice to know that so many people back home supported the men and women serving overseas. The Marines loved receiving packages from the package drive. We received so many care packages that we had to set up containers made of leftover Hesco barriers to hold everything that was sent to us.”

For others who have a son or daughter in the military, the need to support overseas troops hits closer to home. Earlier this year, Patch wrote about Larchmont mother whose son Malcolm was deployed to Afghanistan. Irene has volunteered at the drive since its inception.

“I know that this will be our first Christmas without Malcolm. He will be waking up this Christmas morning in the desert of Afghanistan, having slept in a converted shipping container. Anything we as Americans can do to bring some cheer to that scenario is priceless. Larchmont has only a few military families compared to many other locations in the U.S.,” she said.

Although, last year’s goal was to send 1,000 care packages, this year the goal is double that amount. 

Suggested items for donation include:

• Food items such as candy, gum or dried fruit
• Toiletries like body wash, Q-tips, sunblock, deodorant and eye drops
• Entertainment items like iTunes gift cards, Xbox games, crossword puzzles/word games and magazines
• Cards and letters

Please visit the Care Package Drive website for a complete list of items.

Items can be dropped off at the St. Augustine’s Church cafeteria located at 18 Cherry Ave., Larchmont.  Donations to help pay for the cost of shipping ($12.95 per box) can be mailed to St. Augustine’s Church C/O Jennie McFarland, 40 Cherry Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801.  For more information on participating in the drive please contact Jennie at Jennie.mcfarland@verizon.net or (914) 576-8258.