Cub Scout Pack 366, sponsored by the Oxford United Methodist Church, is currently participating in ‘Operation Appreciation? through the American Red Cross Genesee-Lapeer Chapter.
‘Operation Appreciation? supports American troops oversees by sending ‘Quality of Life? comfort supplies, such as toiletries and writing implements, through the military’s traveling stores at no cost to the servicemen or women.
Cub Scout Pack 366 became involved with the program through Weblos Den Leader David Penley. Originally, Penley had organized a letter writing session for his youths so they could send a word of support to the troops. While searching online for an organization that could distribute the letters, he came across ‘Operation Appreciation.?
‘After researching the American Red Cross website, I found ‘Operation Appreciation? and thought that these items that we take for granted every day are luxury items for these brave men and women, who are spending week after week without the use of bathroom facilities, running water or shower facilities,? said Penley. ‘It was then I decided to open up ‘Operation Appreciation? to the pack members and their families.?
The 47 pack members, ages 6 through 11, and their families received the idea with enthusiasm, and each parent even committed to bringing a box to work, along with a letter of instruction, in order to collect supplies.
However, Pack 366 felt they could do even more, so the boys have opened the program up for all of Oxford by placing donation bins around the village.
‘Mr. Penley’s efforts to send letters of appreciation to U.S. troops has snow balled into a full blown ‘Operation Appreciation? effort available to the whole town of Oxford,? said Cub Master Fred Censullo.
‘Operation Appreciation? in Oxford started April 11 and will continue through until April 30. Donation tubs are located at The Oxford United Methodist Church, Oxford Elementary School, Daniel Axford Elementary School, the American Legion Walter Fraser Post 108, and at the Oxford Fire Station No. 1 and the Oxford Village Police Department (donations will be accepted at these two locations only between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.).
A special deposit night will be held on April 25 at the Oxford United Methodist Church, located at 21 E. Burdick, from 7-9 p.m. during the pack’s monthly meeting. The evening is an opportunity for residents to make a one time drop.
Please no religious or homemade items. Also, financial contributions of $15 with the donations will help the Red Cross to cover the shipping fees of the supplies over seas.
For those wishing to send letters from youths, the following restrictions will apply: each letter will be read before being sent, please send all letters loose without envelopes, and letters or cards may not include a full name or personal return address anywhere.
For more information on ‘Operation Appreciation? or to collect and donate goods, please contact Dave Penley at 969-0254 or Fred Censullo at 628-2758.