On Mondays, Camille Gieck thinks about the delights of the holidays as she goes into the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Complex.
Even though it isn’t the non-holiday season, she understands how much the parcels mean to active service soldiers stationed overseas.
“Imagine it’s like Christmas morning when they receive a package from us,” said Gieck, of the Village of Chatham.
As the holidays approach, Gieck and the members of Operation Shoebox in The Villages are working hard to fill all of the bags and stockings that will be sent to the military. While additional packages are being requested, Gieck is looking for contributions and people to help fill them. The club meets on Mondays at noon at the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Complex, and any Village resident is welcome to join in.
“We are currently seeking donations to go in these boxes, money for postage and all the help we can get,” she said. “We sent out over 30,000 packages and anticipate sending more this year.”
In 2003, Mary Harper established the Operation Shoebox headquarters at 8360 E. Highway 25 in Belleview. Toiletries, food, magazines and other comfort goods, as well as handwritten messages, are included in each care box for the soldiers. Approximately 2 million troops have been serviced by the charity, which continues to distribute packages for roughly 50 weeks each year.
“The soldiers are incredibly thankful for the packages we create and send out,” said Harper, of Belleview. “We wouldn’t be able to bless these soldiers, nor thank them as much as we do, without the help of our volunteers. They are amazing individuals, working together as teams, to get everything packed in a timely manner.”
Personal-sized sunscreen is one of the most required products. Shampoo, hand sanitizer, chapstick, individual instant coffee sticks, hard candy and stationery are just a few of the items on the list.
“We have groups who craft and donate items to us to pack into the boxes as well,” Gieck said. “Abundance of Love supply hats and scarves. The Villages Woodworkers provide wooden toys and Boomer Loomers provide liners for helmets.”
Another member of the organization, Bonnie White, stated that products may be purchased in bulk and contribute to the group.
“Items can also be purchased online through Sam’s Club or Amazon,” said White, of the Village of Pine Hills. “Either way, we are extremely thankful for everyone who helps out, and we know the troops appreciate it as well.”
White has assisted in the packing of the products and appreciates the feeling she gets while sealing them.
“It’s so satisfying to know that I am helping someone else,” she said. “It feels very patriotic to pack items to assist our military. It’s a fun place to work and know that you are making a difference.
On Mondays, Camille Gieck thinks about the delights of the holidays as she goes into the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Complex.
Even though it isn’t the non-holiday season, she understands how much the parcels mean to active service soldiers stationed overseas.
“Imagine it’s like Christmas morning when they receive a package from us,” said Gieck, of the Village of Chatham.
As the holidays approach, Gieck and the members of Operation Shoebox in The Villages are working hard to fill all of the bags and stockings that will be sent to the military. While additional packages are being requested, Gieck is looking for contributions and people to help fill them. The club meets on Mondays at noon at the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Complex, and any Village resident is welcome to join in.
“We are currently seeking donations to go in these boxes, money for postage and all the help we can get,” she said. “We sent out over 30,000 packages and anticipate sending more this year.”
In 2003, Mary Harper established the Operation Shoebox headquarters at 8360 E. Highway 25 in Belleview. Toiletries, food, magazines and other comfort goods, as well as handwritten messages, are included in each care box for the soldiers. Approximately 2 million troops have been serviced by the charity, which continues to distribute packages for roughly 50 weeks each year.
“The soldiers are incredibly thankful for the packages we create and send out,” said Harper, of Belleview. “We wouldn’t be able to bless these soldiers, nor thank them as much as we do, without the help of our volunteers. They are amazing individuals, working together as teams, to get everything packed in a timely manner.”
Personal-sized sunscreen is one of the most required products. Shampoo, hand sanitizer, chapstick, individual instant coffee sticks, hard candy and stationery are just a few of the items on the list.
“We have groups who craft and donate items to us to pack into the boxes as well,” Gieck said. “Abundance of Love supply hats and scarves. The Villages Woodworkers provide wooden toys and Boomer Loomers provide liners for helmets.”
Another member of the organization, Bonnie White, stated that products may be purchased in bulk and contribute to the group.
“Items can also be purchased online through Sam’s Club or Amazon,” said White, of the Village of Pine Hills. “Either way, we are extremely thankful for everyone who helps out, and we know the troops appreciate it as well.”
White has assisted in the packing of the products and appreciates the feeling she gets while sealing them.
“It’s so satisfying to know that I am helping someone else,” she said. “It feels very patriotic to pack items to assist our military. It’s a fun place to work and know that you are making a difference.”