Care Package Collection December 2012

Poster expressing appreciation to Jim Kruse for the work he has done to provide care packages to the troops
Poster expressing appreciation to Jim Kruse for the work he has done to provide care packages to the troops

This past Veterans Day, HAYS Cleaning partnered with the St. Patricia Holy Name Society and local Adopt-a-Platoon member, Jim Kruse, to gather care package items for the troops. HAYS Cleaning customers and friends donated many bags of items, as well as cash donations to help purchase other items. 

 

 

Jim, an Army Veteran, began sending care package boxes to the troops in February 2006. Every month, he organizes a group of volunteers to pack and ship boxes.

Mary James, from HAYS Cleaning, Inc., presents checks to Jim Kruse. The funds will be used to purchase goods and ship boxes to troops overseas. Also pictured, Jim's granddaughter.
Mary James, from HAYS Cleaning, Inc., presents checks to Jim Kruse. The funds will be used to purchase goods and ship boxes to troops overseas. Also pictured, Jim’s granddaughter.

The Hickory Hills Community Center provides space for the storage of the collection items, as well as an area to pack up items to be sent overseas. Volunteers have set up the rooms in an orderly fashion so that packers may “shop” for the items to be placed inside each box. Sections are set up for various food items, clothing, hygiene products, and even dog treats and toys.

Goods are collected at several locations in the area: The Great American Bagel (Palos Heights), the Palos HIlls Community Center, the Hickory Hills Community Center, the Hickory Hills Village Hall and Roberts Road Bible Church. Most of the locations have a collection box set up year round; Roberts Road Bible Church holds collections in May and November.

The following pictures were taken during the delivery of goods and monetary donations on December 14, 2012.

 

Visit www.adoptaplatoon.org for more information on this Texas-based organization that is run by Army mothers.