For more than 15 years, the Village of Stickney has placed collection bins in the lobby of village hall to gather items for U.S. troops.
This year’s drive continues through the first week of November.
The donations go to Operation Support Our Troops America, an organization founded in 2003 that sends comfort and care packages to deployed service members.
Mayor Jeff Walik started the collection drive in 2009 when he was a trustee. Trustee Mitch Milenkovic took over in 2015. After Milenkovic was elected village clerk in April, Trustee Brian Klouda, who filled Milenkovic’s seat, assumed responsibility for the drive.
“Every year the program meets or exceeds our goal,” Milenkovic said. “Donations are weighed and a report is sent to us. Each year the total weight of our donations increases.”
OSOT sends hygiene products, treats, protein sources and other items in 20-pound packages. The organization has shipped more than 2.3 million pounds of supplies to troops.
Klouda said he is grateful for the donations received so far and encouraged more contributions in the weeks remaining.
“Our collection is once again doing very well,” he said. “If you know of anyone that wants to donate, send them to the village hall, or send them my way. Some people don’t have time to shop. I assure them that any monetary donation we receive will be used to purchase items that are needed.”
For more information on Operation Support Our Troops-America or to add a deployed service member to their mailing list, visit osotamerica.org.