Chapter 223 Sends Care Packages to Troops

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 223 in Santa Rosa, Calif., assembled hundreds of care packages for troops serving overseas Jan. 24, aided by volunteers from local scout troops, St. John the Baptist Catholic School and other organizations. The chapter stages the mailing every year, funding shipping with flat-rate boxes and spearheading donations.

Supplies headed overseas this year included toothpaste, non-perishable food items, playing cards and Valentine’s greetings; volunteers decorated the boxes individually before sending them off. Participants also got the chance to video chat with service members. “It’s this actual sense of community with a common goal,” chapter member Carlton Smirni told the Healdsburg Tribune. “Togetherness — it’s what we’re all about.”

---

---

---