While many folks have Thanksgiving on the mind, the volunteers of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey are already thinking about how the men and women of the armed forces deployed in the Middle East will spend their winter holidays.
With that in mind, OYRSJ has announced the group’s annual holiday cookie collection drive set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 3.
As with previous years, the event is meant to be a one-stop spot where residents can drop off homemade baked goods and treats — and store-bought goodies as well — so OYRSJ volunteers can ship the snacks overseas to men and women defending the nation.
According to OYRSJ chair Dave Silver, OYRSJ’s annual cookie drive is the time of year when volunteers can really “step up their game” in helping support those serving overseas.
“This is a way people can actually put their time and love toward our service members deployed to the Middle East and show that we really do care, and we don’t forget about them,” Silver said.
OYRSJ asks supporters to place their treats in layers in large resealable bags or disposable plastic containers. Cookie tins will also be accepted, but are not the organization’s preferred choice, as the additional weight increases shipping costs.
Any containers used to contain baked goods and treats will not be returned, as they will be mailed overseas.
As always, OYRSJ also encourages supporters to include letters with their donations, such as encouraging notes or information about the treats.
Adults can also include a personal email address where donation recipients can send responses, however OYRSJ cannot guarantee correspondence from all recipients.
OYRSJ also encourages children to create holiday cards or notes for the troops as well, but the group asks that last names, addresses or phone numbers of children not be included.
Silver said the cookie drive is also a way for parents to teach their children about how the men and women serving overseas defend the nation’s freedoms, including the right to openly celebrate different religious holidays.
“Kids can learn that we’re always going to have that freedom to celebrate our holidays because our service members will be there to protect those freedoms,” Silver said.
As in years past, OYRSJ will hold the cookie drive in Medford at the New Jersey 8th Legislative District Office at 176 Route 70, Suite 13.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with OYRSJ volunteers on hand to meet and greet anyone dropping off baked goods and treats.
For those who cannot attend the Dec. 3 event, Family & Co. Jewelers on Route 70 in Plaza 70 in Marlton will also be accepting baked goods on behalf of OYRSJ on Thursday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 2.
Those looking for more information on those two drop-off dates can contact Angelo at [email protected].
Once all items are collected, OYRSJ volunteers will pack the donations and mail them on Dec. 5 to the men and women of the armed forces serving overseas who are on OYRSJ’s care package mailing list.
“It’s just a great way for the South Jersey community to chip in and step up to show how grateful we are for our freedom,” Silver said.
For more information, contact Silver at [email protected].
