Jerky for the Troops: How hunters, American Legion join forces to send military a taste of home
The Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club in Wauconda is asking for your help to bring a taste of home to service members serving overseas.
The club started Jerky for the Troops 19 years ago, and it is sponsored by area American Legion Posts and auxiliaries.
Jerky for the Troops collects fresh venison from area hunters and converts it to jerky. Volunteers then package the snacks, along with other donated foods, personal hygiene items, candy, cards and letters and ship them out to U.S. troops serving abroad.
"NWTSC is honored to send packages to our service personnel for their service to our great and grateful nation. They will never be forgotten," said member Dale Berg in an email.
There are two upcoming dates for anyone who would like to take part in Jerky for the Troops.
Volunteers will lay out the strips of venison in trays to dehydrate at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19.
At 11 a.m. Sunday, March 12, volunteers will box the jerky and other comfort items and letters to be shipped out.
Both events will take place at American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights.
To volunteer, or to have a box shipped to a loved one in the military, email Sportsmen@NWTSC.org.
Berg talks more about Jerky for the Troops and how you can help.
Q: What is the Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and its history.
A: Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club was incorporated in 1938. We are the oldest sportsmen's club in the Chicago area. We were founded:
• To promote the advancement of the conservation of fish, wild fowl, and game through the propagation of the species, the protection of their natural habitat and by cooperation with other conservation groups.
• To create better understanding of the relationship of the sportsmen to such conservation efforts.
• To foster a friendlier feeling between sportsmen and landowners.
• To promote the companionship of the members of the club through entertainment and the exchange of ideas.
Q: Tell us specifically about Jerky for the Troops? How and when did this program begin?
A: Jerky for Troops is a charity started 19 years ago by a member of the Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club. It is sponsored by VFW Post 981, American Legion Post 208, Sons of the American Legion 208, Auxiliary Post 208, Junior Auxiliary Post 208.
The project mission was to collect fresh venison from local hunters and package it safely to ship to troops serving overseas. Over time it has grown tremendously, having a record year each year.
This year we will have hundreds of pounds of high-protein, fresh, free-range venison being turned into jerky for the troops. This hits home with troops, whether they are sportsmen or just looking for a taste of home.
Q: How can local hunters get involved? How do they donate?
A: Donate your venison, which is appreciated, as we can never have enough. Contact us at Sportsmen@NWTSC.org and we will plan for pickup or delivery.
Q: What other items are you collecting for the troops?
A: Personal hygiene items like high quality razors, foot powder, ChapStick, dental floss, toothbrushes, 8-oz. shampoo or travel sizes for men and women
• Food and snacks such as protein bars, granola bars, nuts (roasted peanuts, cashews, almonds etc.), sunflower seeds, fruit snacks, cookies, instant soup mixes, Ramen noodles.
• Brand name chewing gum, Life Savers, hard candy, Swedish Fish, Skittles individually wrapped licorice, Airheads, etc.
• Pocket size powdered drinks like: Propel powder drinks, protein powder drinks, packets of hot chocolate, instant coffee, lemonade, Energy-C.
• Miscellaneous items like stationery, envelopes, dice, travel-size games, socks, etc.
• Cards and letters expressing your support and thanks.
Q: How can readers volunteer or donate?
A: A donation box for items will be set up in February and March to collect items to be donated along with the jerky.
We encourage sending a letter or picture of encouragement to our soldiers, letting them know that America is thinking about and supporting them.
Donation locations are: American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, and Thuringer Meats, 624 Arthur Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
• Adopt a Box: The Adopt a Box program is a $25 donation (actual shipping cost of an APO box) or more, if desired. Checks should be made out to Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club and dropped off or mailed to American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004; NWTSC, 702 W Burning Tree Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60004; or bring it on the day of jerky making or boxing day.
Volunteers are welcome to gather for the boxing of the jerky and donated items, along with letters that various grade school students have written. This event is at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 12, at the American Legion Post 208 in Arlington Heights.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: It is summed up by one of many responses we have received back from recipients:
"It was a shock to get called down to mail call last week and find five enormous boxes addressed to me (especially because I wasn't expecting any mail at all).
"To find your gift to our crew instantly made my day. The number of positive comments I got from sailors as I distributed them are too many to count. I had one junior sailor telling me about how it had been ages since the crew received a donation like this and he had forgotten how much he appreciated it.
"Being out in Japan, especially during COVID, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the States, and your gift reminded him of all the Americans supporting us back home. The letters and signs people wrote are still posted on our mess decks.
"The jerky specifically was a huge hit, with my very unscientific poll placing the teriyaki version on top (we've become too used to a Japanese diet). There are also a lot of avid hunters in the crew, and they were very into the idea of you making your own jerky."
Anyone who wishes to send a box to a service person, please send the name and address of that person to Sportsmen@NWTSC.org.
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Volunteer or donate to Jerky for the Troops
What: A program by the Northwest Towns Sportsmen's Club.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, volunteers lay out strips of venison in trays to dehydrate.
• 11 a.m. Sunday, March 12, volunteers box jerky and other comfort items.
Where: Both events take place at the American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights.
Donation drop-off locations: American Legion Post 208, 121 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights; and Thuringer Meats, 624 Arthur Ave., Arlington Heights
To volunteer or have a box shipped to a loved one: Email Sportsmen@NWTSC.org