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Young Actors' Performance Benefits Troops May 2 & 3

(BRANCHBURG) - Students in the township Recreation Department's Creative Theater Program have once again chosen to help Operation Shoebox New Jersey fill care packages sent to U.S. military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The young actors have been in rehearsals for several weeks and will be on stage at the Whiton Elementary School to perform James and the Giant Peach on Friday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 3rd at 7 p.m.

The price of admission to either performance is a bag of personal care items as requested by U.S. troops overseas - bug spray, sun block, lip balm, drink mixes, gum, beef jerky, tuna and dry cereal are some of the most requested items. A full listing can be accessed on the website's Shopping List link.

This marks the fourth time the Creative Theater program has dedicated their performances to Operation Shoebox New Jersey. Financial contributions will also be accepted.

Further information is available by calling the Recreation Department at (908) 526-1300 extension 188.

Join us May 15th for a fund raiser at New Jersey's friendliest Irish pub. Owner Pat Mannion will donate 10% from each bill - lunches, dinners and drinks to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey.

Click on the shamrock and print and bring the flyer

Flemington Department Store, Jake’s, TGI Fridays help OPSHBX NJ raise funds

(Flemington March 7) – Three businesses on Route 31 are helping to raise funds for Operation Shoebox New Jersey over the next several weeks.

Flemington Department Store, along with Jake’s and TGI Friday will donate money from flyers brought into the store and restaurants on selected dates.

The donations will help to pay shipping costs of packages that will be boxed and shipped April 12 by members of the St. Magdalen’s R.C. Church.

The packing, sponsored by the Flemington Knights of Columbus Council 3294, in conjunction with Operation Shoebox NJ, will begin at 11 a.m.

Flemington Department Store, Route 31 across from the former site of Flemington Raceway, will donate 10 percent on all sales of apparel and shoes on April 4, 5 and 6 if you present a copy of the flyer which can be downloaded from this page.

TGI Fridays, on Route 31 N near the traffic circle, will donate 20 percent of all meals served from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday March 20th and March 27th. A copy of this story must be presented.

Jake's, on Route 31 S near Home Depot, will donate 10 percent of all meals served all night on Thursday April 3rd.

To help the Knights plan the event, please e-mail operationshoebox@stmag.org to let us know you wish to volunteer, though walk-ins will be welcome.

For more information please contact Chris McPherson at 908-806-3357

Please help support Operation Shoebox NJ by enjoying the great food at these restaurants. Just present this notice on the nights listed.

Copy of Article

Flyer

Operation Shoebox logo products are on sale at Flemington Dept Store

Somerset Patriots offer free tickets for fans who support Operation Shoebox New Jersey

(Bridgewater Feb. 21) - The Somerset Patriots are offering patriotic fans a free ticket in return for donating supplies to U.S. troops overseas.

The three-time Atlantic League champions will kick off single ticket sales for the entire 2008 season - including tickets to the July 16th All-Star game - on March 8 at Commerce Bank Ballpark from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Volunteers from Operation Shoebox New Jersey will be on hand to collect donated supplies. Any fan that brings an item that day to donate will receive a special Buy One Get One Free ticket offer good for any Sunday through Thursday game all season long.

Ticket prices for the 2008 season, including the All-Star Game are $12.50 for Premium Field Box Seats, $10 for Field Box Seats, and $9 for Upper Box Seats.

Normal game times for the 2008 season are 7:05 pm Monday through Saturday and 1:35 pm or 5:05 pm on Sundays. The Patriots will host special Commerce Bank Ballpark 10th Anniversary Celebration Nights, additional fireworks shows, giveaway nights featuring items such as Slider the Mascot Bobblehead Dolls and Sparkee the Mascot Wobbler Dolls, and theme nights to assure that there will be something happening at the ballpark for all 70 home games.

"We are looking forward to an All-Star season at Commerce Bank Ballpark. Following a record-breaking year for our team, we are looking to build upon the excitement from 2007. Having the All-Star Game and the celebration of the ballpark's tenth anniversary will help us have our very best year yet," said Patrick McVerry, President/ General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey is a grass roots, volunteer organization dedicated to collecting donated supplies and shipping care packages to U.S. troops based in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle East countries. It has shipped over 16,000 personal care packages overseas since it was founded in February, 2005. Fans wishing to donate supplies during the season can drop them off inside the Patriots ticket lobby at Commerce Bank Ballpark

For a list of items to bring to the ballpark - including lip balm, moist wipes. batteries, cans of tuna and snacks - please visit www.opshoeboxnj.org or call (908) 698-0333.

For more information on how to be part of the Patriots' 2008 season, call (908) 252-0700 or visit the website at www.somersetpatriots.com

Famous Dave's Restaurants, Route 202 Hillsborough and Route 22 Mountainside, once again host fund raisers

in support Operation ShoeboxNJ

(MOUNTAINSIDE Feb. 21) - Famous Dave's restaurants on Route 202 in Hillsborough and Route 22 in Mountainside are once again holding fund raisers on March 27 in Hilllsborough and April 3, 10 & 24 in Mountainside to support Operation Shoebox NJ

Anyone who eats lunch or dinner or orders take out from Famous Dave's on any of these dates and presents the appropraite flyer (which can be downloaded below) will help with expenses associated with the packing.

Famous Dave's will donate 10 percent of your bill to Operation Shoebox New Jersey.

Be sure to bring this flyer with you to Famous Dave's and let your host or cashier know you are there to support this fundraiser.

That's all. It's that easy. Make sure to stop by Famous Dave's for some of the best smoked and barbeque ribs in New Jersey! Tell your friends and neighbors, too!

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

Hillsborough Mountainside

launches campaign in 268 supermarkets across six states to raise funds for Operation Shoebox New Jersey

(MONTVALE Feb. 2) - A&P Supermarkets in New Jersey, along with food stores in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland have launched a three-week fund-raising campaign in 268 stores to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey.

The "Send a Special Message to Our Troops" campaign is highlighted in coupon circulars that will be distributed to shoppers by mail and at each of the stores through Feb. 23; a total of 10 million circulars will be distributed over the next three weeks, according to an A&P spokesperson.

Shoppers are asked to request a postcard from cashiers and address their own personal message to a soldier. The postcard will be swiped by the cashier, with $8.95 donated to Operation Shoebox New Jersey. The postcards will be collected at each store and forwarded to Operation Shoebox New Jersey where they will be inserted into each care package.

The $8.95 represents the cost of shipping a package overseas to U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Mideast locations.

Each store will display posters in their windows and at the check-out line to advertise the program, which is running in tandem with A&P's annual "Great American Brand Sale."

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company is one of the oldest supermarket chains in the United States. In addition to A&P food stores, several other chains, subsidiaries of A&P, are involved in the "Send a Special Message to Our Troops" campaign - Waldbaum's, Superfresh, A&P Super Stores and Food Mart.

Copies of each week's sales circular can be accessed on the A&P website - apsupermarket.com.

Volunteers pack 1,017 packages; OPSHBX NJ marks third anniversary

(Manville Feb. 2) - The generosity of the central New Jersey community was exhibited once again as hundreds of volunteers from young Daisy Girl Scouts to veterans of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts came together to pack 1,017 care packages for U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This outpouring of support for U.S. troops deployed overseas helped commemorate the third anniversary of Operation Shoebox New Jersey, a grass-roots volunteer organization that has now sent over 16,000 care packages overseas since February, 2005.

Volunteers arrived loaded down with bags and boxes of supplies that were added to the supplies collected by OPSHBX NJ in preparation for the packing, one of several scheduled during 2008. Financial support, including $500 from students and staff of Gov. Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights were also donated during the event.

Hosted by the Kavanaugh Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2290, volunteers arrived between 10:30-11 a.m. to sign up; the packing began at 11 a.m. and was completed two hours later.

Staff volunteers, assisted by members and parents of the Hillsborough Soccer Club had loaded a 16-foot box truck at OPSHBX NJ headquarters in Hillsborough with supplies the night before the event; that same group helped unload and set up at the VFW building in preparation for the packing.

Each box that was packed included letters and cards as well as Valentine's greetings that were pasted together and written by volunteers during the event. The boxes also included toys and gifts for children in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Employees of the U.S. Postal Service were on hand to help expedite shipment of the packages.

Several more packing events are scheduled with others in the planning stages; those dates will be announced as final details are completed. Confirmed dates are: April 12, St. Magdalen's R.C. Church, Flemington and May 17, Colonial Park, Franklin, in conjunction with the Second annual Bocce Invitational Tournament.

Several “closed” packing events are scheduled at schools throughout New Jersey over the next several months, including: Feb. 15, Morristown middle school; Feb. 23, Scotch Plains/Fanwood High School and March 25, Kiddee Academy, Hillsborough.

More photos of the Feb. 2 packing can be seen by clicking on the Photo Album link.

Shopping Spree volunteers needed to collect supplies at supermarkets in March, April & May

Teams of volunteers are needed to help collect donated supplies outside supermarkets throughout central New Jersey this Spring.

Volunteers hand out shopping lists to shoppers as they enter the store and collect the donations as the shoppers exit. Teams work from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and can work in shifts. Below is the list of dates:

March 22 - -ShopRite, Bound Brook

March 29 & 30 -- ShopRite, Branchburg

April 5 -- ShopRite, Flemington

April 12 -- StopNShop, Raritan

April 19 -- ShopRite, Bound Brook

April 26 & 27 --ShopRite, Branchburg

May 3 -- ShopRite, Flemington

StopNShop, Raritan

Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff volunteers will help teams set up and break down the display table outside the store and pick up the supplies for transport to the OPSHBX NJ headquarters. OPSHBX NJ will supply all materials necessary to conduct a successful supply drive.

Sign up now! Help OPSHBX NJ ensure a steady supply line of personal care boxes for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Call OPSHBX NJ headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information.

OPSHBX NJ Commemorates 3rd Anniversary with Volunteer Packing Feb. 2

MANVILLE - Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff to commemorate its third anniversary Feb. 2 and help prepare personal care packages for shipment to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The packing event will be at the Walter Kavanaugh VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville, with registration at 10:30 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. Packing begins at 11 a.m. A light lunch will be provided.

Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items. The packages sent overseas will include cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items.

Each package will also include a box of Girl Scout cookies donated by hundreds of Girl Scouts from the Rolling Hills Council that were sold during their recently-concluded sales campaign and individual bags of popcorn donated by the Patriots Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short letter or card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. We'll also add stuffed animals and other gift items for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children.

Personnel from the Manville Post Office will be on hand to help expedite the boxes for immediate shipment; each package shipped U.S. Priority Mail costs $8.95. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance on the OPSHBX NJ website. Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information or check the website www.opshoeboxnj.org.

Warren Technology Center of Citi Celebrates Global Community Day by Packing Boxes

On Saturday, November 17, 2007, Citi celebrated the second annual Global Community Day. Designed to demonstrate our unity and shared responsibilities across businesses and around the world, Global Community Day is observed in each of the 100 countries where Citi does business. On this day employees volunteer their time and talents with one goal in mind – to make a difference in the communities where we live and work. This year Citi mobilized more than 58,000 volunteers with upwards of 1,000 events in 600 cities.

The Warren Technology Center, located in Warren, New Jersey was proud to partner with Operation Shoebox New Jersey. Over 120 volunteers, including employees and their friends and families, gathered at the site to put together care packages for troops overseas. The success of the event was due in large part to the generosity of wealth and spirit shown by Citi employees. In addition to the 250 care packages that comprised the initial project, the onsite goods drive yielded supplies in such quantities that another 250 care packages were mailed the following week.

Jersey's helping hands

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

BY MICHELE HOWE Star-Ledger Staff

Who: Ana Duarte-McCarthy, Citigroup's chief diversity officer

What: Citigroup's second Global Community Day in Warren

Goal: Filling holiday packages for our troops.

Quote: "We recognize that our employees around the world volunteer on their own, and this is an opportunity on the corporate level to bring people together to take part in a wide range of opportunities," Duarte-McCarthy said.

Background: Citigroup employees, their family members and friends got together Nov. 17 at the company's Warren Technology Center to help a nonprofit group provide holiday packages to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We worked in partnership with Operation Shoebox NJ to fill the packages with snacks and toiletries to send to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan," Duarte-McCarthy said.

The employees were encouraged to donate the requested items.

"Volunteers, including my daughter, Alissa, wrote personal notes and cards of appreciation to include in the care packages, and a local Girl Scout troop donated boxes of cookies. We ended up with 250 boxes that day and shipped them out, and an extra 250 boxes went out later," Duarte-McCarthy said.

Personal: Duarte-McCarthy lives in Basking Ridge with her husband, Michael McCarthy, and their daughter, Alissa McCarthy, 12.

How you can help: To donate to Operation Shoebox NJ, log onto http://www.opshoeboxnj.org.

Michele Howe may be reached at mhowe@starledger.com or (973) 392-5805.

Care in a Box

WEST MILFORD — Over the years, West Milford resident Jane Mamer has listened attentively as her husband, Fred, and his friend spoke about their tours in Vietnam. When an opportunity presented itself to do something positive for the troops currently on active duty, Jane was ready to roll. Nearly three years ago Jane was working at a weekly newspaper in Somerset. The executive editor, Rod Hirsch, had an idea, a way to show support and make life a little nicer for deployed military personnel. After a brainstorming session, Operation Shoebox New Jersey was born and Jane found her niche. Since that time, this all volunteer, non-political, nonprofit organization has shipped over 13,600 care packages to Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine personnel in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and other Middle East countries.

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:

http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2007/11/29/west_milford_messenger/news/4.txt

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Branchburg's Traveling Bears Deployed to Iraq

(MANVILLE, Nov. 10) - Two special packages with the Branchburg Recreation Department's traveling bears Branesh and Dudley nestled inside were shipped to Iraq along with 921 other holiday gift boxes packed by volunteers during the annual Holiday Packing hosted by Operation Shoebox New Jersey at the Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290.

Sarah Sadler and Lucas Greenspan, members of the Recreation Department youth volunteer group looked on as the bears, equipped with extra clothing, helmets, passports and wearing dog tags were readied for their journey overseas.

The idea to send our bears to Iraq came about when 30 children from the Branchburg Recreation Department's new youth volunteer program were volunteering at the Operation Shoebox NJ office in Hillsborough, sorting donations, filling out custom forms and making greeting cards. The kids were discussing the traveling bears and where they had traveled when Rod Hirsch, the founder and Executive Director of Operation Shoebox NJ, overheard their discussion and asked if we would like the bears to travel to Iraq. Of course we said yes!

Twins Branesh and Dudley Bear and their brother Ken Beary Bear have enjoyed many happy adventures while vacationing with various families in Branchburg. Some of the places they have traveled to include Germany, Disneyland, California, Lake George, Vermont and many beaches and lakes in New Jersey. The children who have "borrowed" the bears have written stories about their adventures and have sent pictures that are displayed on a bulletin board in the recreation office.

Branesh Bear has been deployed to the Baghdad area and will be supervised by 22 year-old Manville resident Kimberly Kaminski who is serving with the United States Air Force. Dudley Bear is on his way to "serve" with Branchburg resident, Marine Cpl. Domenick Distano.

Our Branchburg Recreation Department ambassadors have been commissioned to interact with the troops and report back to us of their adventures.

Hopefully, Branesh & Dudley will be able to interact with the Iraqi children and visit the new schools that are being built in Iraq and will also report on the good deeds the United States Armed Forces are accomplishing overseas.

We are unbearably excited and are looking forward to receiving pictures, e-mails and letters from the troops serving in Iraq and learning first paw (hand) about Dudley and Branesh's adventures with the outstanding young men and women who are serving overseas with the United States Armed Forces.

This news item was submitted by Mary Beth Ferris, program coordinator at the Branchburg Recreation Department.

Seasons’ Greetings to U.S. servicemen . . .

Let’s not forget to send best wishes for the holiday season to U.S. military personnel around the world and close to home.

Xerox is providing a free public service for those who wish to send a card to any serviceman overseas. Visit their website, www.LetsSayThanks.com and you can select a thank you card that Xerox will print and send to a soldier serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It’s free, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunity and tell your friends, relatives and co-workers. Let's all do our part

Charlie Company Marines at Camp Fallujah, Iraq unfurl “Greetings from New Jersey” banner signed by hundreds of OPSHBX NJ volunteers

(CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ, Oct. 15) - Before they packed up their equipment to return home to the United States recently, members of Charlie Company, 2nd Combat EngineerBattalion posed alongside their “Buffalo” with a king size bedsheet signed by hundreds of Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers during the Aug. 18 packing at Commerce Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater.

The banner was sent in one of the boxes received by the unit, under the command of 1st Lt. George A. Saenz, Jr., Route Clearance Platoon Commander C Co., 2nd CEB.

Saenz explains their job: “We are combat engineers whose mission it is to drive in heavily armored, blast resistant vehicles and purposely look for, and destroy, IEDs in and around the roadways. This allows friendly, follow-on forces to achieve the freedom of movement they need in order to accomplish their missions. This also translates into many long hours on the road, both day and night. So, needless to say, the boxes of snacks and other items get put to good use by my Marines.

“It gives us an overwhelming sense of comfort and pride knowing there are people back home that are willing to donate their time and effort to put care packages together for us,” he added in a letter sent to the OPSHBX NJ website earlier this year. “Whenever I receive one of the packages, I am sure to distribute the wealth amongst my platoon and the rest of the company of engineers. We all get a kick out of the notes and drawings the little kids make, too.”

OPSHBX NJ & VFW Post 2290 host Nov. 10 holiday packing

MANVILLE - Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey to spread holiday cheer overseas Nov. 10 and help prepare gift packages for shipment to U.S. troops who will be spending the holiday season in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey hosts it third annual Christmas & Winter holiday packing event at the VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville, with registration at 11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 11:45 a.m. Packing begins at 12noon.

Lunch will be provided.

Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items.

The packages will include cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short note with holiday greetings and best wishes; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes, along with the personal care items cards, letters and ornaments made the previous week at the Santa's Workshop hosted by OPSHBX NJ and the VFW. We'll also add candy canes, boxes of Girl Scout cookies and tiny stuffed animals for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children.

Personnel from the Manville Post Office will be on hand to help expedite the boxes for immediate shipment; each package shipped U.S. Priority Mail costs $8.95.

All donations are tax deductible.

Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information.

OPSHBX NJ & VFW Post 2290 host pancake breakfast & Santa's workshop Nov. 3

Manville - Operation Shoebox New Jersey and VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville will serve breakfast and put volunteers to work in Santa's Workshop Nov. 3 beginning at 8 a.m.

Guests are invited to sit down for a hearty breakfast before shifting over to Santa's workshop where they will make Christmas ornaments and write letters and cards that will be sent overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan when volunteers gather at the VFW building the following Saturday, Nov. 10 to pack and ship boxes during the third annual holiday packing event hosted by Operation Shoebox New Jersey.

Breakfast will be served until 11 a.m. and will include pancakes, sausage, fruit juice and hot beverages. Cost is $5 adults, $3 children; those under 3 are free.

The workshop will open the same time breakfast begins and will close at noon. All cards, writing supplies and ornament materials will be provided at no cost.

Participants are invited to attend both events and encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website.

All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the VFW Post 2290 and OPSHBX NJ. All donations are tax deductible.

Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information.

Girl Scouts to hold supply drive in Belvidere Oct. 27

BELVIDERE (Oct. 12) - The Valley Ridge Service Unit of the Rolling Hills Girl Scout Council has decided again this year to designate Operation Shoebox New Jersey as the recipient for the Make a Difference Day campaign. Girl Scouts from several troops in Warren County will gather at the Belvidere Presbyterian Church, 2222 Mansfield St., beginning at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 to drop off and sort the supplies they have gathered which will be sent overseas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Girl Scouts will also write cards and letters that will be enclosed in the boxes that will be packed Nov. 10 during the annual holiday packing hosted by Operation Shoebox New Jersey at VFW Post 2290 in Manville.

Flyers are being sent home to parents from area schools, and distributed at churches and through other civic organizations. Last year, close to 200 Girl Scouts gathered at the church and packed enough supplies to fill up two pick-up trucks and a car.

Further information is available by calling Jackie Bronico at (908) 763-1232.

Visit Operation Shoebox New Jersey at the Historic Soldiers Weekend Oct. 27 in Burlington .

See poster 2007_poster.pdf

Branchburg Twins Celebrate Sixth Birthday; Parents Ask Party Guests to Bring Gifts for US troops

(BRANCHBURG Aug. 25) - Twins Emma and Nicky Shimsky celebrated their sixth birthday Aug. 25 with a big party in the expansive backyard of their home in Branchburg.

But there weren't any presents for the kids; instead, their parents asked all guests to bring gift bags and boxes loaded with supplies and personal care items for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

By day's end, a huge pile of donations was spread across the floor of the Shimsky's kitchen.

The twins and their friends also filled out dozens of Hero greeting cards that will be sent in the boxes shipped to the soldiers and Marines overseas by Opeation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers.

Jennifer and Nick Shimsky explain here, in their own words, why they decided to honor the troops:

Emma and Nicky were born two weeks before 9/11/01. While watching the dramatic scenes unfold on the TV before us, we realized the world we were able to grow up in would be much different then theirs would be.

We have the greatest appreciation and gratitude for all the men and women in the armed services, that because of them, our children are able to know and appreciate the freedom of living in The United States of America.

We wanted to take the opportunity that Operation Shoebox New Jersey allowed us and collect donations for the troops in lieu of presents for Emma and Nicky's 6th birthday.

We truly appreciate all the donations made by friends and family as well as all the work that Operation Shoebox New Jersey does to encourage and support our troops.

- The Shimsky Family - Nick, Jen, Emma,Nicky & Elizabeth

OPSHBX NJ volunteers invited aboard USS New Jersey battleship to pack boxes for troops

(CAMDEN, Sept. 11) - The volunteer staff of Operation Shoebox New Jersey has been invited aboard the USS New Jersey battleship to assist a group of Merck employees pack boxes for shipment to US troops overseas.

The Sept. 19 packing event is part of a team building exercise for 60 Merck employees from the Camden/Philadelphia area. The group has been collecting supplies for one month in preparation for the packing.

OPSHBX NJ volunteer staff will set up and supervise a packing and shipping area on the fantail of the 888-foot battleship, the most decorated ship in the history of the United States Navy, with 19 battle stars representing the ship's service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Middle East.

Built across the Delaware River at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and launched in 1942, the USS New Jersey (BB-62) was decommissioned for the final time in 1991; nine years later, Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig announced that the battleship would be donated to Home Port Alliance of Camden, N.J., opening as a museum and memorial in October, 2001.

Visit the website at www.battleshipnewjersey.org for further information.

Somerset Patriots to Host Aug. 18 Packing Event at Commerce Bank Ballpark

BRIDGEWATER (July 9) - Once again the Somerset Patriots are stepping up to the plate to help Operation Shoebox New Jersey pack and ship care

packages to U.S. troops deployed overseas. The Patriots will host OPSHBX NJ and hundreds of volunteers at Commerce Bank Ballpark Aug. 18; gates open at 11 a.m. with sign-ups through 11:30 a.m., followed by an orientation and instructions. Packing will begin at noon.

The Patriots and OPSHBX NJ are asking those who participate in the packing to bring a bag or box of supplies that can be included in the packages that will be prepared for shipping that day. (See list of needed supplies at bottom of story). To show their appreciation, the three-time Atlantic League champions will give each participant in the packing event a voucher good for a free ticket to any Patriot home game during the remainder of the 2007 season.

This will be the third OPSHBX NJ packing event hosted at the ballpark by the Patriots. Hundreds of volunteers –Girl Scouts, senior citizens, civic organizations, veterans and families - packed 1,192 boxes at the May 21, 2006 event and returned later that year to pack 670 boxes Oct. 21.

“We are grateful to the Patriots for this opportunity to bring the community together to demonstrate its support for US troops,” said Rod Hirsch, executive director of OPSHBX NJ. "We anticipate a good turnout and expect to pack at least 500 boxes,” Hirsch added. “Hopefully, we can do more than that; a lot will depend on the amount of supplies that are brought to the ballpark that day.”

Participants will also have the opportunity to write letters and cards of support that will be packed inside the boxes and sent to the soldiers and Marines in Iraq, Afghanistan and other Middle East locations. Hero post cards will be supplied by the Coloring Card Company of Flemington, courtesy of the Patriots.

Tables with bins of toiletries, snacks and other items will line the concourse of the ballpark, with volunteers forming two lines to pack plastic bags which are then placed inside the boxes.

Lunch will be available; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to OPSHBX NJ by Centerplate, the company that operates the ballpark concessions.

Founded in February, 2005, OPSHBX NJ is an all-volunteer, grass roots organization that relies on the generosity and support of individuals, families, veterans and civic organizations, schools, businesses and corporations.

Wide-ranging support has enabled OPSHBX NJ to raise over $100,000 and ship more than 11,000 packages to US troops overseas.

Letters of thanks from grateful soldiers and Marines can be read on the OPSHBX NJ website, www.opshoeboxnj.org

Items most requested by troops overseas: sun screen, foot powder, eye drops, beef jerky, bug spray, lip balm, ear swabs, moist baby wipes (travel size), razors, small drink mixes, socks, snack foods, cereal/protein bars, microwaveable foods (can or box), hard candy, gum, writing materials, and batteries (any size).

Make plans to participate in future OPSHBX NJ fund raising and packing events Nov. 3, Nov. 10 and Nov. 18.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey is a registered non-profit New Jersey corporation and a qualified 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.

Coloring Card Company provides 5,000 cards

ColorMe "Hero Heart Cards" Will Be Collected at Patriots' Home Games and Forwarded to Members of the U.S. Armed Forces by Operation Shoebox New Jersey

(BRIDGEWATER June 14) - The Somerset Patriots and the New Jersey-based Coloring Card Company have teamed up to enable kids to say thanks to U.S. troops stationed overseas. Paul Marciano, company president, has supplied 5,000 of the "Hero Heart Cards" to the Patriots and Operation Shoebox New Jersey for children to color and inscribe messages of thanks to soldiers serving in the U.S. military.

The "Hero Heart Cards" will be distributed for young fans to decorate and insert their own greetings to soldiers stationed abroad. The cards will be collected at Commerce Bank Ballpark and sent to soldiers stationed in Iraq in the boxes mailed overseas by Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers. The cards will be distributed at the following Somerset Patriots home games:

Monday, July 2 at 7;05 pm

Wednesday, July 25 at 7:05 pm

Other games are being scheduled.

"We are pleased to join forces with the Somerset Patriots on this exciting project to have children send greetings to soldiers abroad," said Marciano, the founder of the Coloring Card Company. "What could be more American than watching baseball and sending cards to members of the U.S. military?"

The "Hero Heart Cards" were created by a 6-year-old girl named Jordan Pearson with a message she originally wrote to her dad, an Air Force Intelligence officer stationed in the Middle East. "One day my daddy told me he had to go away. He said he had to keep me and my family safe. I missed him very much so I drew him this special heart to show him how much I love him. I colored it like the flag because my daddy says we love America and the flag. My daddy is my hero."

"The Patriots are supportive of efforts to give back to the community, particularly when honoring members of the armed forces. We encourage all our young fans at Commerce Bank Ballpark to participate in this effort to express our gratitude to service men and women and thank the volunteers from Operation Shoebox New Jersey for making it happen," said Patrick McVerry, President/General Manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

"Greeting cards typically aren't fun for children," said Marciano "Since children typically only sign their names to store-bought cards, they have little personal meaning for the sender or for the adults who receive them. That's why this heartfelt card drawn by a little girl for her daddy serving in the Air Force is so special."

A child psychologist with a Ph.D. from Yale, Marciano began developing greeting cards featuring drawings submitted by child artists to stimulate children's creativity and engage them in a process that instills meaning into the card-giving process.

Sold in 8-pack sets for $7.95, each individual card costs far less than the price of a standard greeting card, and is inherently more valuable.

Marciano started Coloring Card Company in 2003 with child-drawn birthday and Valentine cards, thank you notes, and party invitations. He later expanded

ColorMe products to include pillowcases, T-shirts, Christmas stockings, and Slumber Party sets that have been a hit with pre-teen girls.

Popular designs include horses, puppies, "Beach girl" and USA map pillowcases and Freedom Isn't Free t-shirts. ColorMe products turn greeting cards, T-shirts and other items into one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

They can be ordered online by visiting

Coloring Card Company believes in the continual process of learning, improving, and "coloring outside the lines." It fosters simple but time-honored values such as having good manners, giving, saying "thank you", and patriotism. It is the only company in the U.S. that donates ten percent of gross proceeds to charities such as Book First, which provides books to children in low-income families, and The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation which assists children of Marines or Federal law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty.

Marciano comes from a family with a rich heritage in child educational growth. He is the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the beloved Madeline books that have delighted children for decades. Marciano's personal theme is "Freedom Isn't Free, But Saying Thank You Is."

He is hopeful the Hero Card will inspire children to express their gratitude to heroes of all types this Father's Day, and to "instill core values in

children, such as patriotism, saying 'thank you' and giving."

This story was published in The Reporter

Shoebox operating out of Hillsboro

V.A. Depot new home of organization that aids troops

HILLSBOROUGH -- Operation Shoebox has moved its business to Somerset County-rented space in the V.A. Depot at 152 Route 206 S., where a ceremony was held Monday to mark its opening.

Founded in February 2005, Operation Shoebox New Jersey is an all- volunteer grassroots organization that collects donated supplies for shipment to U.S. troops based in Afghanistan, Iraq and other Middle Eastern nations.

Volunteers gather several times a year to sort donated supplies and pack them in boxes for shipment to soldiers.

Monday's ceremony was attended by local and county officials, as well as Somerset Patriots mascot Sparkee.

ED PAGLIARINI/COURIER NEWS ED PAGLIARINI/COURIER NEWS

Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey, speaks Care packages for troops sit on pallets inside

during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at the organization's new location at the V.A. Operation Shoebox's new facility in Hillsborough.

Depot in Hillsborough.

-- Staff report from the Courier News website www.c-n.com

Operation Shoebox New Jersey assists 3 packing initiatives

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY (June 5) - An elementary school in Franklin, a temple in Warren and a church in Somerville all turned to Operation Shoebox New Jersey last month for assistance in running packing events at their respective locations.

On May 18, students, parents and teachers at the McAfee School in Franklin (K-4th grade) packed 41 boxes for shipment overseas. Each box included cards, letters and pictures drawn by the students, as well as bars of soap that they made from scratch that night. The event was coordinated and supervised by PTO member Rande Kean.

Members of Temple Har Shalom in Warren sorted groceries that had been donated in the weeks leading up to their May 20 event at the temple, and collected over $1,000 to spend on postage needed to ship 106 boxes. Dozens of children colored pictures that day and wrote letters that were placed into each box. The temple conducted a food drive at the Shop-Rite in Flemington to help fill the boxes with donated supplies. The event was coordinated and supervised by Leslie Heilberg.

The following Sunday, members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Somerset Hills in Somerville sorted and packed 45 boxes to be shipped overseas. The effort was led by Amy O'Connell, a member of the church's Religious Education Committee and Christopher Buja, director of Religious Education. The church conducted a food drive at King's Supermarket in Warren and raised over $300 in donations to defray the cost of postage.

The combined effort saw 192 personal care packages sent to soldiers and Marines whose addresses were obtained from the OPSHBX NJ data base. All three organizations filled out US Customs forms that were affixed to each package. The packing events were run under the supervision of Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers

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