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Corwin, local officials announce drive benefiting troops abroad

by jmaloni

Submitted

Sat, May 17th 2014 04:50 pm

In honor of the many brave troops serving this nation overseas, Assemblywoman Jane Corwin is partnering with Congressman Chris Collins, State Sen. George Maziarz, the Blue Star Mothers, Boy Scouts of America and a number of local grocery stores to collect items for care packages to send to the men and women stationed in remote areas around the globe. This inaugural "Support Our Troops" drive is open to the public to make contributions through May and June.

"As Memorial Day approaches, I am hopeful that our community will take time to reflect on the many freedoms that we have as Americans, and the price of that freedom, as we remember and honor those who have sacrificed so much to defend our way of life," Corwin said. "While there has been great national support for our service men and women abroad, it can be incredibly difficult for troops stationed in more desolate areas, especially in the Middle East, to find everyday food and toiletry items."

Without convenience of corner stores, and with the difficulties families face mailing packages to certain areas of the Middle East, desired items like protein bars, beef jerky, packaged tuna, travel-size packs of nuts, packaged oatmeal, and mini/travel-size toiletries are cherished commodities by many troops. These items are desired for convenience of shipping in addition to practicality for active duty servicemen in remote areas, who have limited capacity to carry larger items.

"As Americas go on with their day-to-day lives, it is easy for them to forget the sacrifices being made everyday by our brave men and women serving overseas," Collins said. "This collection effort is both a reminder of the dedication of our service members, and an opportunity for Western New Yorkers to do a little something to send their support to our troops overseas. I want to thank Assemblywoman Corwin for organizing this effort and my office is proud to participate."

Maziarz said, "We always keep our troops overseas in our thoughts and prayers, and this special drive is something simple we can do to put our support for them into practice. Donating an item or two might brighten a soldier's day and remind them that the folks back home are thinking of them."

Members of the public wishing to contribute to the drive can drop off specific items at any of the participating elected officials' offices or a variety of area stores, including Dash's Market in Clarence, Tops Supermarket in Lockport, Pixley SureShine in Akron, and Budwey's Market in Newfane. The drive will begin May 19 and continue through June 29. All of the items collected will be sent overseas in early July with the help of the Blue Star Mothers.

"Many members of our community have friends and family serving abroad, and I believe that supplying our service members with some comforts and necessities from home is an opportunity to show our appreciation and to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers," Corwin said.

For more information, call Corwin's office at 716-839-4690 or email [email protected].

Items can be dropped off at:

•Office of Assemblywoman Jane Corwin

8180 Main St., Clarence, NY 14221

•Office of Congressman Chris Collins

2813 Wehrle Drive, Suite 13, Williamsville, NY 14221

•Office of State Sen. George Maziarz

175 Walnut St., Suite 6, Lockport, NY 14094

•Dash's Market

8845 Main St., Clarence, NY 14221

•Tops Supermarket

5827 S. Transit Road, Lockport, NY 14094

•Pixley ShurShine

81 Buell St., Akron, NY 14001

•Budwey's Market

255 N. Main St., Newfane, NY 14108

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