Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School students and volunteers from the Long Branch Housing Authority are hoping to top last year’s impressive total of 52 Care Packages sent to U.S. Troops in Afghanistan.
By MARY ANN KAMPFE, RFHRHS Public Relations
The Character Education Club at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School is once again “rallying the troops” for the sake of our troops overseas.
The Annual Care Package Drive is now underway at RFH, and the student volunteers hope to collect enough donated items to surpass last year’s impressive record.
“The Care Packages are always eagerly anticipated and greatly appreciated by U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan,” said Jason Lippart, RFH Freshman Guidance Counselor and Advisor to the Character Education Club. “Sending out even more boxes out this year would be terrific for the troops and would also mean the world to our hardworking students and other volunteers.”
As in years past, the generosity of the community will play a large role in the success of the Care Package Drive. The stakes are high, as 52 large boxes were filled and shipped last year.
Items requested include five-hour energy drinks, instant coffee, gum, candy, playing cards, magazines, white cotton socks, personal hygiene products, CDs, DVDs, and books.
Also needed are nonperishable snacks such as nuts and beef jerky, and deflated sports equipment — soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, and similar items.
Donations will be collected at the High School’s Guidance Office during the month of October. The items should be addressed to Jason Lippart or Jamie Juliano.
“Care packages help so much to keep that connection with our friends, family, and communities back home and remind us of how selfless our neighbors are,” wrote Lieutenant Commander Brendan Piccolo of the U.S. Navy in a note of thanks last year.
The RFH Character Education Club will once again be working with the youth organization of the Long Branch Housing Authority to sort and pack the items.
This year the student and youth volunteers will also be partnering with the Oceanport Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., who have generously offered to handle shipping of the items. Chartered in 1960, the national organization is comprised of mothers of those who have served in the U.S. military, and provides support for active duty personnel, promotes patriotism, and provides assistance to Veterans organizations as well as homeland volunteer organizations.
