Operation Cornerstone was started over 15 years ago by a group of IHM mothers who had children in the military who were deployed in War Zones at Christmastime. We will continue this tradition in November, and we are asking parishioners of IHM to collect donations of toiletries, games, food, etc. Volunteers will then pack and mail the packages to our troops overseas. Monetary donations are always appreciated to help defray the cost of postage. Any monetary donations can be left at the rectory. Additionally, we send letters of support thanking service members for their bravery and sacrifices. They especially enjoy cards from children and often write back to them.
Coordinators: Debbie Bracken and Frances Tussing. If you have questions, please contact Debbie at 914-874-4892, or use the simple form below to send an email to Debbie and Frances.
Operation Cornerstone will be collecting food items, toiletries, and sundries to send to our soldiers who are serving overseas and will not be home for the holidays. We will be partnering with United For The Troops again this year, who will pick up the donations from IHM, they will then package and mail the boxes to the troops. Any monetary donations to help defray the cost of mailing the packages can be left at the rectory.
Suggested donations are:
Food: Pringles (snack size), Trail Mix, instant oatmeal, granola bars, store-bought cookies, crackers, power bars, nuts, Slim Jims, Beef Jerky, Pop Tarts, Easy Mac Microwave Cups, ramen noodles, tuna fish, canned chicken, spam, sardines, peanut butter (plastic only), jelly & jam (plastic only), cereals (individual size), chili, stew, pasta, soup, canned fruit (16 oz or smaller), gum & Lifesavers, coffee & filters, hot chocolate packets, tea bags, drink mixes (single serve).
Toiletries: Foot powder, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizers, baby wipes, ChapStick & lip balm, cough drops, Tums, Rolaids, eye drops, disposable razors, shaving cream (nonaerosol), toothbrushes & toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shampoo, eyeglass cleaning wipes, skin moisturizer, deodorant, bars of soap, body wash, Q-tips, nail clippers, files, hair brushes and combs, hair clips, ties, and bands.
Sundries: Undershirts, boxers, crew socks, playing cards and dominoes, travel games, stress balls, crossword puzzles, word search, Sudoku, comic books, air fresheners (hanging car type), hand warmers, dryer sheets, Zip-loc bags (gallon and quart size).
Letters of Support: Service men and women love receiving cards and letters of support.
If you know of a family member or friend who is serving in the military overseas during the holidays and would like to receive a package, please call or text Debbie Bracken at 914-874-4892.
PLEASE DROP OFF DONATIONS BY NOVEMBER 20TH
IN THE COLLECTION BOXES BY THE CHURCH ENTRANCES!
THANK YOU!