JAMESTOWN, NY - The Blue Star Mothers, NY Chapter 4, are continuing their commencement to U.S. Military members with the 2023 Christmas Care Package Drive this weekend. The heartfelt initiative aims to provide support and holiday cheer to deployed troops around the world.
The organization is seeking both monetary and material contributions, including hand-signed cards and letters. Among the most desired items are a variety of beef jerky, protein bars, peanut butter, hand wipes, hand sanitizers, dried fruit, trail mixes, water enhancers, and pop-top lid cans of fruit, soups, and meats. Monetary donations will be utilized to purchase additional necessary items and cover the cost of postage for sending the packages.
The personal touch of handwritten notes and cards is always cherished by the men and women who receive these care packages. Therefore, the Blue Star Mothers urge civic organizations, schools, youth groups, and individuals to participate in this meaningful project.
Having been supporting active duty service personnel since World War II, the Blue Star Mothers organization is dedicated to promoting patriotism and extending assistance to veterans' organizations in local communities. Comprising mothers who have had or currently have children honorably serving in the U.S. military, as well as associate members from extended family and friends, the organization's impact has been substantial. Last year alone, with the support of numerous schools, churches, community members, and civic organizations, over 1,000 care packages were sent to deployed soldiers.
With the anticipation of increased military activity and deployments, the Blue Star Mothers hope to surpass previous achievements in collecting donations and sending care packages this year. In 2022, shipping costs alone amounted to nearly $25,000.
To kick off the 2023 Christmas season, the public is invited to join the Blue Star Mothers on Saturday, December 2, at 9 a.m. at the Fluvanna Community Church's Family Center. Volunteers, including children, adults, and groups of all kinds, are warmly welcomed to assist in packing the care packages for our military heroes.
In addition, the organization is actively seeking names and addresses of military personnel deployed overseas during this holiday season. It is important to note that the recipients of the Blue Star Mothers care packages do not need to be residents of Chautauqua County. To submit a name or for any inquiries, interested individuals can reach out via email to kcollver@yahoo.com or call/text (716) 450-5593. Donations can be sent to Blue Star Mothers NY 4, PO Box 22, Jamestown, NY 14702.
Let us come together as a community and show our gratitude to those who serve by making this year's Blue Star Mothers Military Christmas Care Package Drive a resounding success.
