Hundreds of thousands of American service members are overseas in remote and hostile regions of the world, separated from loved ones for long stretches of time and enduring the most difficult of physical conditions.
Recently JRS employees joined together to share the comforts of home with one such group of heroes, the 3rd Platoon of Alpha Company, 1-32 Infantry currently deployed to Afghanistan. Second Lieutenant Jake Miraldi is platoon leader and nephew of JRS finance coordinator Jean Miraldi. As Miraldi explains, "Originally I just wanted to send something to Jake and asked his father what he needed. He sent me the list and there are so many items the soldiers need - that's when I thought of the JRS employees participating."
The issue was raised at a monthly staff meeting and was quickly embraced by all three JRS offices. Collection points were established in the Mineola, New York City, and Princeton locations and soon the boxes began filling up.
Making A Difference
While the military provides food, shelter, and gear, soldiers must use their pay to buy personal items and treats. Even with a willingness to pay quite a number of these items are difficult to find, especially in combat zones such as Afghanistan.
Imagine running out of lip balm or eye drops in the desert. A package of wet wipes might be the closest thing to a shower a soldier will have in a month. A puzzle book or magazine might help someone escape reality for an hour or two.
The Military Care Package has become a favorite cause of many civic organizations, charities, and corporations and has evolved into an effective way concerned civilians can make a difference.
Alpha Company's Care Package list is fairly typical with requests for food, candy, hygiene supplies, sports equipment, entertainment, etc. Most all of the items are under $10 and easily available in drug stores, supermarkets, and discount stores. Overseas of course they are luxuries.
It must also be noted that an important component of Alpha Company's list are items for the Afghan people including winter coats (all sizes), shoes (children's sizes), blankets, school supplies, and stuffed animals. The ultimate mission is to make life better for everyone.
The Project Expands
As word began to circulate about the drive, friends and relatives of JRS employees wanted to join in and began donating items as a means to express their thanks.
Local elementary schools, Washington Street School in Franklin Square, N.Y. and St. Patrick's School in Huntington, N.Y., also got into the act. Two JRS staffers, Marie McDonald and Grace Adamo have children attending these schools and were catalysts in generating over 50 cards of support from the students to the troops. JRS principal Alex Hadjiyane's daughter also wrote a poem and a card. The outpouring from these young people reinforced their thanks for keeping America safe and making the world a better place.
As the deadline for contributions passed Miraldi was happy to report on the generosity of everyone at JRS as well as its extended family. Almost every request on the extensive Wish List was met - many with duplicates. The packages have been shipped and are on their way to some very deserving people.
In addition to all who were able to participate, JRS acknowledges the special contributions of Miraldi for championing the effort and managing collections in Mineola as well as Olivia Parker and Cheryl Ramjit for handling collections in New York City and Princeton respectively.
Anyone interested in learning more about Care Packages for Soldiers, or about Alpha Company specifically is welcome to contact Jack Miller at 609-688-9100 (Ext. 204). Tags: