Roberts UCC gathers donations for troops overseas

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Once again, the Roberts Congregational United Church of Christ is making an impact overseas. This time they’re helping American soldiers and sailors.

Gifts of Love for our Soldiers and Sailors was started this year as a small Sunday School mission project to send packages to troops serving overseas.

“We wanted something fun, simple and that everyone could do,” said organizer Megan Frye. They also wanted the project to tie-in with Valentine’s Day and showing love, she added.

The Sunday school curriculum tries to teach kids about the vastness of mission work.

“Operation Christmas Child (a previous mission project) helped kids. This hits grown-ups and exposes them to different things,” she explained.

Gifts of Love care packages will include items troops may need or just appreciate.

“I have it on good authority that they always enjoy getting presents and treats,” Frye said.

Some suggested items include individual drink mixes, cookies and treats, batteries, disposable cameras, personal care items, small games and playing cards.

Other things, like letters and greeting cards, are welcome as well.

Frye said Sunday school kids, including those barely big enough to hold a crayon, recently drew pictures to send over.

“Who’s not going to love that?” Frye asked.

Collections are currently underway and end Feb. 14. There is a donation box at the Roberts Grocery Store, 106 W. Main St., for community drop-offs.

Frye said some of the donations will be sent to Kuwait where her brother-in-law is stationed with the Naval Reserves. He will distribute the goods among the other seamen.

Eric Fisher, congregation member, will also be distributing some of the donations when he ships out.

Government regulations require a soldier’s name on packages sent to the troops. Frye said they’re in need of more soldiers to send the packages to for dispersal.

Frye said she’s unsure how this project will turn out since they’ve never done it before. She doesn’t know just how many donations to expect, or where and when it will all be going overseas.

“Whatever it is, it will be worth it,” she said.

Anyone with questions can contact Frye at 688-6779.

Tags: roberts, ucc, troop, donations