Help Wheeling Township support our military personnel

Wheeling Township recognizes that service members and military families selflessly do whatever it takes to serve our nation. Their bravery and dedication do not go unnoticed. To that end, the township is holding its annual Operation Support Our Troops Donation Drive throughout the month of November.

"It's important to Wheeling Township to let our military personnel know that we are indebted to them and their families for all they give on behalf of our country," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "This annual donation drive gives everyone in the community an opportunity to say thank you."

Working in partnership with the Naperville-based, nonprofit organization Operation Support Our Troops America, Inc., (OSOT), Wheeling Township annually collects a wide variety of food, hygiene and personal items, financial donations, as well as letters/cards of support. All items collected will be put into "Comfort & Care" packages by OSOT and are shipped throughout the year to active military personnel around the globe.

Donation items requested include: Individual packages of cookies/nuts; jelly (30 oz or less/no glass); crackers (12 oz box or less); Slim-Jims, breakfast bars, Pop-Tarts, granola bars, gum/fruit snacks, raisins, hard candy, microwave popcorn packs, athletic socks (men/women), eye drops, cough drops, saline solution, mechanical pencils/pens, sanitizing wipes/small hand sanitizers and small, travel-size shampoos/soap/mouthwash, etc. Leftover Halloween candy is also being accepted.

Additionally, residents may send financial donations and letters of support to help support the program. Monetary donations help cover the cost of postage (each box costs approximately $25 to ship). Checks should be made payable to: Operation Support our Troops America, Inc.

Letters, kids' drawings or encouraging notes are always the most-coveted items in every "Comfort & Care" package. Whether a scribbled drawing from a preschooler or a heartfelt letter from a grandmother, each message is precious and appreciated. Letters should be addressed to "Dear Military Person," and not sealed.

Donations of supplies, checks and letters can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Wheeling Township, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Donations will be accepted until Wednesday, Nov. 30.

For questions, email LLahey@WheelingTownship.com, or call (847) 259-7730, ext. 21.

Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community- as it has since 1850. To learn more about all the services provided by the township to its residents, visit wheelingtownship.com.