This is Part 1 of a 2 part essay. See the November 7 edition for part 2
The Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 4 is currently accepting donations for the 2023 Military Christmas Care Package Drive. Both monetary and material donations are being collected, including hand-signed cards and letters. Items especially sought are beef jerkys, protein bars, peanut butter, hand wipes and hand sanitizers, dried fruit, trail mixes, water enhancers, and pop-top lid cans of fruit, soups and meats. Monetary donations will be used for the purchase of additional items needed and for postage to send the packages to deployed troops around the world. Handwritten notes and cards are always a favorite of the men and women who receive these care packages, and civic organizations, schools, youth groups, and individuals are urged to participate in this project.
Since its inception during WWII, the Blue Star Mothers organization has existed to provide support for active duty service personnel, to promote patriotism, and to assist veterans’ organizations in our communities. The organization is composed of mothers who now have or have had children honorably serving in the US Military, as well as associate members of extended family members and friends. As proud mothers of the men and women who are ready to fight for this nation’s freedoms, the group seeks to encourage and support American troops as well as support each other in their journey. During 2022, with the help of many schools, churches, community members and civic organizations, over 1000 care packages were sent to America’s deployed sons and daughters, along with unnumbered cards and letters. This is an accomplishment for which this chapter is not only proud, but tremendously grateful.
This year the Blue Star Mothers hope to see another banner year of collections and care packages sent, especially with the prospect of increasing military activity and deployments. Last year, shipping costs were nearly $25,000; realizing this is a great challenge, the Blue Star Mothers are confident that once again the community will rally to the cause in providing some much-needed encouragement and joy for those military persons who will not be home for the holidays.
The public is invited to begin the 2023 Christmas Season by joining the Blue Star Mothers on Saturday, December 2, at 9AM at the Fluvanna Community Church Family Center to help pack boxes for our military. Children, adults, and groups of all kinds are welcome!
Also being sought are names and addresses of military persons who are deployed overseas for this holiday season. Recipients of the Blue Star Mothers care packages need not be Chautauqua County residents. To submit a name, or for any questions, email kcollver@yahoo.com, or phone or text (716) 450-5593. Donations may be sent to:
Blue Star Mothers NY4
PO Box 22
Jamestown, NY 14702