An effort that’s been underway for more than a month is about to have a red ribbon tied to it.
The Armed Forces Moms Organization, Squad 41 have been busy preparing items to be packed next week in Altoona. The women in the group have sons, daughters or other relatives in the military who won’t be home for the holiday season. Instead the ladies attempt to bring a little bit of home to those serving both stateside and overseas.
With the military involvement in Iraq, the volunteer effort takes on even more significance than usual this year. Tipton resident Mary Brunner is participating for the first time in the effort that’s been an area tradition for over 15 years. She has a loved one in the serving in Iraq, Specialist Philip McNeal who’s with the 187th Company D. McNeal is Brunner’s grandson and although this is her first year involved with the project, she spoke enthusiastically about it with The Daily Herald.
“Of course you pack a box for your own particular relative then pick up the slack and help pack boxes for military members who’s loved ones here at home and may not be able to help,” said Brunner.
The group packs at least 80 boxes each year filled with food, items of local interest and some surprises. In a previous Daily Herald article, Sally Miller, president of the group, said the boxes are filled with Benzel pretzels, DelGrosso sauce, salsa, Tasty Cakes and even local phone books.
In addition to troops on American soil and Iraq, the boxes are also sent to South Korea, Englan, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Bosnia.
The group accepts donated items and cash to help defray shipping costs. Last year the group spent more than $3,400 to fill, pack and ship the boxes in time to reach loved ones for the holiday season.
There are more than 40 mothers in the local branch of the organization including a handful from the northern Blair area. Brunner says in addition to herself, women from Grazierville, Bellwood and others participate in the event.
The culmination of this year’s event is coming up next weekend in Altoona. The ladies will arrive in Altoona on Dec. 5 and the packing efforts will continue next Saturday. The planned packing will be held at the Faith Baptist Church, 315 40th Street located in the Highlands Park area of the city.
