([Portland], [Or], [11/26/03])— The Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Washington National Guard Family Programs, and Honor Thy Children Foundation have joined forces for operation "Adopt-a-Soldier." The Scouts will write letters of encouragement to soldiers and will collect specific items for care packages. Once enough items are collected Scouts will help to assemble the packages for distribution.
When asked what the troops are in need of, Jamie Morgan with the Washington National Guard says, “Junk food seems to be what they miss and request most often.”
The Scouts will seek the following food items for care packages: jerky, nuts of any kind (corn, pistachio, sunflower seeds, etc.), trail mix; high protein power bars, granola bars, crackers and cheese, tuna packets (no cans), powdered drinks/lemonade, chips in a can, gourmet cookies, hard candy, gum, etc. Due to shipping, pre-packaged, non-gooey, non-crushable items are preferred. No pork products or coffee will be accepted. Game books, paperback books, cards, dice, panty liners, international phone cards, and stationery are also needed. Supplies needed for shipping include: plain boxes, tape, and postage vouchers. It is expensive to ship the packages overseas; it costs approximately $8-$20 per five-pound package. If you would like to donate any of these items to the "Adopt-a Soldier" operation, beginning December 10 th , please drop off items at collection barrels in the lobby at the Boy Scouts of America, Cascade Pacific Council, 2145 SW Naito Parkway, Portland.
For more information, contact Jamie Morgan at 360-253-7367 of the Washington Army National Guard Family Programs or Sherry McVey, Marketing Director of the Boy Scouts of America, Cascade Pacific Council, at 503-225-5767. Local businesses are also encouraged to participate in this effort.
“This is the kind of project Scouts love to embrace,” said Scout Executive Ron Garland. “In fact the younger Scouts in the Cub Scout program will learn first-hand about community service and what they can do to improve the life of a soldier abroad,” he added. “Providing troops a little taste of home and some words of encouragement is a way to show our support and gratitude for all they do. Teaching youth the importance of country and community service is an ongoing component of our program,” he says .
This effort was brought about through the desire to provide support and recognition of the immense dedication and commitment of soldiers .
“Our soldiers are making enormous sacrifices for us. The cards and care packages from the Scouts will go a long way in showing our appreciation for our troops abroad,” says Nancy Dorr, Executive Director of Honor Thy Children Foundation.
