A large turnout at the Beaumont Medical Building helped volunteers pack 260 boxes last week.
Louise ‘Desert Angel? Downs teamed with Dr. Matthew Kopera’s office for the packing party, which was held in anticipation of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
About 75 volunteers turned out to help with the packing of the boxes, including 21 students from Everest Academy in Clarkston.
‘I wasn’t surprised by the turnout because of all the things that had been donated,? said organizer Jan Kopera. ‘We knew people were aware of it.?
Dr. Kopera’s office held a packing party in late January in preparation for Valentine’s Day, but this one was much a much bigger production.
‘It doesn’t matter your view on the war,? said Downs. ‘This is America, supporting your troops.?
Downs said she is always looking for names and addresses of troops that would appreciate care packages. She added that senders will sometimes even receive a letter or flag in return.
She thanked Walgreens in Rochester for donating their after-Easter items and the Lake Orion Starbucks for their bags of ground coffee.
The next step is making sure all of the boxes get sent away.
‘We were able to send out 166, but we’re still in need of more money to send the rest of the boxes,? Jan Kopera said.
The unshipped boxes are awaiting postage at the American Legion, and those willing to help can mail a check to Desert Angel Inc. at 4280 Diehl Road, Metamora, MI 48455.
‘We always need donations for postage,? said Downs, noting that the postage for flat-rate boxes is scheduled to increase by over $1 in the next month.
The current postage is $8.10 for an 11’X8.5’X5.5? box, but will increase to $9.15 in mid-May, meaning donations will go much farther now than they will in a few weeks.
Downs said her new status as tax-exempt should generate some interest. She has no packing parties scheduled yet for May, but said that, in anticipation of Memorial Day, she is looking for possible locations.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact Downs at (248)736-6403 or send her an e-mail at weeziey@yahoo.com.