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PEOTONE MAYOR Richard Duran showed his support for the efforts of Operation Care Package, whose volunteers are seeking donations of non-perishable foods, hygiene items and small gifts that can be sent to U.S. soldiers overseas. The group, founded in 2003, mails 10,000 boxes a year at a cost of $103,000, so donations are critical. Collection drums have been placed at several Peotone locations. More information about the organization is at www.operationcarepackages.org. photo by Karen Haave
Operation Care Package collection barrels at businesses  Share
For Pat Curran and her friends at Operation Care Package, being patriotic means more than saluting the flag. For Curran, it means ''letting no hero be forgotten.'' It's no small task, and it takes a lot of time, energy and money. But for Operation Care Package (OCP), it's worth it all. Last week, the Peotone Village Board approved Curran's request for collection barrels at local banks, the post office, shops and restaurants, where residents can place items that will be boxed and shipped to U.S. soldiers on active duty. The collection barrels will be in the village hall, Peotone Bank & Trust, First Community Bank and Trust, Dralle's Chevrolet and Buick, Peotone Bowling Center, Tony's Pizza, Throwback II Sports bar, all in Peotone, and at Throwback at Crete.
''Operation Care Package has been mailing out care packages to our deployed and wounded military since 2003,'' she said. ''We currently mail about 150 packages every week. Almost everything we send is donated by individuals, organizations, schools, churches and businesses. ''It takes a lot of money. It costs $10.35 to mail each package. Postage is our largest expense. Postage for packages mailed in 2008 cost $103,000.'' Curran said the group appreciates any monetary donation, no matter how small, along with items that can be mailed to soldiers. A ''short list'' of suggestions includes beef jerky or Slim Jim snacks, canned soups, spaghetti, ravioli, cans or pouches of tuna or salmon and chicken, canned or dried fruit and fruit snacks, peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars, instant oatmeal, Ramen noodles, Rice Krispies treats, gloves, hand warmers, stamps, small gifts, granola and power bars, batteries, hand-held games, razors, international phone cards, Handiwipes, eye drops, foot powder, mouthwash, dental floss and toothbrushes.'' In addition, OCP is coordinating an effort to sponsor wreaths at veterans' graves at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Rates are $15 for one wreath, $45 for three and $150 for 10. For each wreath sponsored through the group, OCP (group ID # ILOCP 0001) will receive $5. Wreaths must be ordered by November 15. More information is with Debbie Smothers at 815-723-6960. ''Our organization is about supporting the men and women who bravely answer the call to duty for you, myself and our country,'' Curran said. ''Our support is what motivates the troops to complete their mission. ''Just knowing that Americans care about their well being is a major factor to the success of the troops and for them to ultimately come home safely to their loved ones.'' Operation Care Package sends goodie boxes to soldiers all year round, so donations of items, as well as postage stamps, are always welcome, Curran emphasized. Moreover, donars can submit the name of a service person on deployment. For more information about the group and how to help, go to www.operationcarepackages.org. Curran can be reached at 815-954-7438 or ocpmom@hotmail.com. Debbie Smothers is available at 815-723-6960 or proudarmysis4@sbcglobal.net. Operation Care Package is a 501 c-3 public charity at 611 Wilcox Street in Joliet, 60435. All donations are tax deductible. Russell Publications prints several community newspapers each week, serving Will, Kankakee and Cook counties.
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