Mckinney Courier-gazette > News

Operation Appreciation continues

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  • Published: Thursday, October 16, 2008 5:56 PM CDT
    SURPRISED: "We didn't understand how well it was going to be received," Tonia Lofland said.

    By Jim Kilpatrick, McKinney Courier-Gazette

    Operation Appreciation began as a class project of the Citizenship McKinney program class of 2007-2008.

    The idea was to send care packages of food and personal items to McKinney troops serving overseas.

    Last year the organization sent 10 packages. This year the number of packages has increased to 26.

    Originally it was for one year but according to Operation Appreciation committee president Kevin Feldt the heart warming responses that the organization received from the soldiers inspired the members of the class to continue the program.

    "Our troops can always use a few words of encouragement, local news and reminders of home," Feldt said. "We want to let them know the community supports them and values their service to our country."

    The program begins with the organization identifying troops from McKinney, who are serving overseas, by using the City of McKinney's Blue Star list.

    "Families of the service personnel who are deployed apply to this program," Feldt said. "Really it's a recognition program where the city council presents them with a certificate and a little blue star flag,"

    The service person's families are contacted and asked what needs the individual may have.


    The organization then assembles and sends a care package twice a year to that person.

    "We are trying to coordinate with the holidays when we send the packages," committee member Julie Parker said.

    The packages are sent on Christmas and Independence Day.

    "We didn't understand how well it was going to be received," committee member Tonia Lofland said. We didn't know how much appreciation they were going to have."

    The organization is seeking volunteers to help write letters of encouragement, or donating supplies or providing money to help purchase items to fill the care packages.

    "Some of the McKinney elementary schools are going to be writing letters to put in the packages," Feldt said.

    Some of the items needed are beef jerky, bubble gum, cheese and cracker snacks, microwave popcorn, blow pops, Pop Tarts, Jolly Rancher candy, Slim Jims, canned chips of all kinds, almonds, Ores and oatmeal-raisin cookies.

    Other general supplies include baby powder, lotion, sunscreen, disposable razors, phone cards, magazines like Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, ESPN and others, action movies on DVD's, music CD's of country, rock, and alternative, computer games, paperback books and more.

    Holiday supplies like miniature Christmas trees 12 to 15 inches high, Christmas carol CD's, Christmas DVD's, Christmas cookies, candy canes, stocking and craft supplies.

    There is also a need for games and game equipment.

    "We are looking for some soccer balls to send," committee member Greg Barber said. "They only have two of the entire unit."

    Monetary donations can be made by sending checks to the McKinney Chamber Foundation placing Operation Appreciation on the memo line and sending it to McKinney Chamber Foundation, 1650 W. Virginia St. Suite 110, McKinney , TX 75069 .

    For information on Operation Appreciation contact Felt at 214-325-0432.



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