Group trying to spread cheer to Marines

Group trying to spread cheer to Marines

By JILLIAN COMPTON - jcompton@nwherald.com

RINGWOOD – A successful Ringwood Primary Center drive inspired a local group to expand its efforts to send care packages to Marines in Iraq.

The McHenry County Marine Corps League Auxiliary is setting up community drop boxes after Ringwood School recently collected about 30 boxes of beef jerky, pens, shaving cream, and other items.

Second-grade teacher Michelle Woosley incorporated the drive into her 7th annual Veterans Day program, which she started to honor her father, a Vietnam War veteran.

“We are planning on collecting for them at least one more time during the year,” Woosley said, adding that her students also might write holiday letters to the Marines.

The auxiliary will repackage the items and mail them to two Marine captains, who will distribute them to their troops.

The items likely won’t reach Iraq before the holidays. The U.S. Postal Service recommended sending parcel post packages to soldiers by Nov. 13 , for them to arrive by Christmas. Deadlines for more expensive shipping options are staggered until Dec. 19.

Letters and cards sent by first class mail to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan should be posted by, Dec. 4 and to soldiers overseas elsewhere by, Dec. 11, according to the post office.

But the auxiliary plans to mail care packages at least once a month, Auxiliary President Barbara Klapperich said. So far, she has organized drop boxes at McHenry Township Hall, 3703 N. Richmond Road, Johnsburg, and Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N. Johnsburg Road.

Organizers suggest donating razor blades, toothpaste, baby wipes, magazines and wrapped snacks. The postal service prohibits sending obscene articles, pork products, and bulk items of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith.

Ellie