Wheeling Township Continues Tradition of Supporting U.S. Military Members

For more than a decade, Wheeling Township has continued its tradition of rallying support for active-duty military members serving around the world through the Operation Support Our Troops – America, Inc. (OSOT) donation drive. Now through December 9, community members are encouraged to make monetary contributions, donate food and personal care products, and provide messages of encouragement or children's drawings to fill Comfort & Care Packages for deployed service members.

This year’s goal is to surpass last year’s donations of more than $5,000 and 2,370 pounds of supplies, in addition to 2,000 handwritten messages from residents of all ages and drawings from local youth.

“Every donation is a reminder to our service members that their community appreciates their sacrifices and is thinking of them,” said Wheeling Township Supervisor Maria Zeller Brauer. “We are grateful to everyone who has helped to continue this great tradition, and we hope even more residents will join us this year.”

Requested items include:

• Halloween candy, granola bars, protein bars, Pop-Tarts (small boxes), Rice Krispie Treats and individual Pringles (snack-size packs)
• Individually wrapped crackers, cookies, trail mix, nuts, gum and mints
• Peanut butter and jelly packets, tuna packets and individual microwavable macaroni and cheese cups or packets
• Slim Jims or other meat sticks, Carnation Instant Breakfast packets
• Cough drops or rolls of antacids
• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, non-aerosol shaving cream, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash
• Small tissue packs, puzzle books, comfort shoe insoles, UNO or other card games, and white or black athletic socks
• $10-25 Amazon gift cards

Please note: bags of chips, plastic fruit cups or products containing alcohol will not be accepted by OSOT.

Handwritten letters, cards, notes and children’s drawings are among the items that are most cherished by our service men and women. Messages can come from anyone, regardless of age, and should be addressed to “Dear Military Person” or “Dear Service Person.” Please do not seal cards or letters, and avoid holiday-specific cards so messages can be shared throughout the year.

Monetary donations are also welcome, and help to cover shipping costs, which average $30 per box - while donated supplies provide service members with snacks, personal care essentials and other useful items. Checks should be made payable to Operation Support Our Troops – America, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and eligible donations are tax-deductible.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Wednesday, December 9, at: Wheeling Township, 1616 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60004.

For any questions, call Lynndah Lahey, Director of Senior & Disability Services, at 847-259-7730, ext. 21, or email LLahey@WheelingTownship.com. You can learn more about Operation Support Our Troops – America at osotamerica.org.

Through the community’s continued generosity, Wheeling Township wants to ensure service members not only have essential supplies, but also meaningful reminders that they are appreciated and remembered.