Takin’ it to the troops

Organizations gear up for holiday effort

By SANDY LONG

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Two dedicated community organizations have stepped up ongoing efforts to support American troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan throughout the holiday season.

The Armed Forces Support Group of Sullivan County recently conducted an event at the Monticello Gaming and Raceway in Monticello to gather gift items and money to purchase gifts for U.S. troops serving abroad.

“The response was great, with people showing up by 6:15 a.m. with money and all sorts of items. Everybody was so excited to be doing something for the troops,” said Dolores Delgado, founder of the Armed Forces Support Group of Sullivan County. Delgado’s son, Joseph Hernandez, is currently serving in Iraq on his third tour of active duty.

“One man brought 62 pounds of pennies, which totaled to $90,” said Delgado. The man returned twice, contributing another $100 toward the effort. Others brought socks, beef jerky, cookies, hot chocolate mix, toothbrushes, toothpaste, scarves, soups, Christmas ornaments, cards and much more. A local 4-H Troop donated scarves. The items will be sorted and packed into boxes to be sent to U.S. troops to brighten their holidays abroad. Donations are still being accepted for the holiday sendoff. Contact Delgado at 845/583-7260 for details.

Joining Delgado in the effort at the raceway were The River Reporter, Thunder 102 and the Eldred Preserve, who created combined advertising and lodging packages for the donors. The effort didn’t end there. Delgado’s house is crammed with stuff that now must be boxed and shipped, but she’s not complaining. “I’m tired, but it’s a happy tired,” Delgado laughed.

The Armed Forces Support Group of Sullivan County recently sent 300 Halloween goody bags overseas so that the troops could have a taste of home. “Everybody loves candy,” Delgado said.

Stephanie Johnson, founder of “Operation Support Our Troops,” is also involved in the preparation of gift boxes for the troops. In conjunction with the Monticello Fire Department, Johnson’s organization recently held a pasta dinner to raise funds and receive donated gifts. The successful event brought approximately 250 people to the firehouse for a gratifying evening of community fellowship and good food.

Items collected during the event will be packaged on November 18 and 19, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Monticello Fire House. A final packing day is scheduled on December 10, beginning at noon at the Monticello Elks Lodge. Volunteers and donations are needed. Contributions can be mailed to Johnson at 279 Cantrell Road, Monticello, NY 12701 or call 845/796-2339 for more information.

In addition to gift items, Johnson likes to include letters from home in the packages. She works with school children on this, and encourages people to take a few minutes to write a note of encouragement. “We like to let them know that we hope they come home soon. The letters are probably the most important things we send, and yet they’re the hardest to get,” said Johnson. “They’re most appreciated because they provide a sense of home.” Letters and gift items can be dropped off in boxes located at Bank of America facilities throughout Sullivan County, and at the Liberty and Monticello Elks Lodges as well as the Monticello Fire House.

Both groups also coordinate the efforts of volunteers who sew neck coolers and knit helmet warmers for the troops. Materials are provided and the volunteers assemble the handcrafted gifts. Contact either group for additional details.

Both women expressed their gratitude for the wonderful support that has come from the community.

Veteran’s Day Activities

• “Operation Happy Holidays”

7:00 p.m., Kings Catering, Livingston Manor, NY

A Veterans Day dinner dance featuring a full buffet, cash bar, 50/50 raffle and music by DJ Joey C. Cost is $20.00. All proceeds benefit the holiday gift box effort. A giant banner will be available for signing. The event is sponsored by Armed Forces Support Group of Sullivan County. For more information contact Dolores Delgado at 845/583-7260.

• A “Veteran’s Service” will be held at the Government Center in Monticello, NY at 10:30 a.m., followed by refreshments at the Monticello Elks Lodge.

• A “Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner” will be held at the Monticello Elks Lodge at 5:00 p.m. For more information about these events, contact Stephanie Johnson of Operation Support Our Troops at 845/796-2339.