Give back to active military this holiday season with Wheeling Township

The annual “Operation Support Our Troops — America” Donation Drive has kicked off, and Wheeling Township needs your help to support our troops.

The holiday giving season is here, and a great way to share the joy with our active military personnel is through Wheeling Township’s Donation Drive for Operation Support Our Troops — America, Inc. (OSOT). This annual giving tradition kicked off Nov. 1, and provides members of the U.S. military with a variety of treats in Comfort & Care Packages that OSOT delivers to troops around the globe.

“Wheeling Township is proud to hold its annual November OSOT Donation Drive. It’s a wonderful way to recognize those who protect us,” says Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. “It’s important for us all to recognize the military personnel who so selflessly serve our country, for it is thanks to them we remain free and safe.”

To support OSOT, Wheeling Township collects thousands of pounds of specific food and self-care items, as well as monetary contributions and messages of thanks that will be delivered in Comfort & Care packages to active military servicemen and women.

To participate, you can provide specific items from a list, including (but not limited to): Breakfast, granola and protein bars, gum/mints, food powder, antacids, cough drops, individually wrapped crackers/cookies, trail mix, nuts and more. A complete list of accepted items can be found at wheelingtownship.com, or you may contact Lynndah Lahey, Wheeling Township director of Senior & Disability Services, at LLahey@WheelingTownship.com.

Donations will be accepted at Wheeling Township, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, in Arlington Heights, through Nov. 30.

Community members can also support this giving program by writing encouraging messages in cards or letters.

Children are invited to draw colorful pictures, along with residents of all ages who can provide a handwritten message of thanks and well wishes for our troops. Any messages should be addressed to: “Dear Military Person” so they can be delivered to any individual currently serving our country. Please note — holiday cards, or cards for veterans are not accepted for this program. This program runs throughout the year, and OSOT only serves those who are actively serving. All letters/cards with envelopes should also not be sealed.

“Last year, we received more than 1,000 letters, pictures, and drawings from school kids and adults, all of which were incredibly heartwarming,” Penner said. “I invite our schools to get involved and make this a project for entire classes to maximize the positive messages we can get to our troops.”

Each Comfort & Care Package costs OSOT $25 to mail. If individuals would prefer to make a financial donation to support mailing costs, a check made payable to “Operation Support Our Troops” can be mailed or dropped off at Wheeling Township, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004.

For any questions, please contact Lahey via email at LLahey@wheelingtownship.com or call (847) 259-7730, ext. 21.