Bring soldiers some Christmas joy

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Volunteers load up care packages for deployed soldiers. The program will up its efforts for the holiday season and hopes to the get the community involved.

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Rosemount's Operation Minnesota Nice group will have a one time Holiday Packing Event at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Rosemount American Legion.

The goal is to bring some holiday joy to soldiers stationed overseas. While the group sends boxes to predetermined soldiers monthly, for December it will double its efforts to try and reach more.

Rosemount group leader Diane Tapper said they are trying to get people in the community involved with the effort. Usually members adopt a soldier and send them a care package monthly. However, for December they will send out one-time care packages to additional soldiers.

"We want to reach as many soldiers as we can," said Tapper.

To participate, volunteers are asked to bring five items, all the same, to donate. The items don't have to be expensive. Suggested items include fruit snacks, socks, beef jerky, canned goods, candy and sunscreen.

There also will be donated items to pack in boxes. At the meeting each volunteer will receive a soldier's name.

After the Dec. 1 meeting volunteers will take home a box, gift wrap the items and write a letter to the service member.

The volunteer will be in charge of sending the box. Postage is $12.50 per box. Boxes must be sent by Dec. 11 to ensure Christmas delivery.

Tapper has no idea how many volunteers will come forward but she hopes for quite a few. So far, 10 have signed up.

"I'll be happy if we get 12 but I'd be even more happy if we got more," said Tapper.

Tapper hopes the event might get people interested in joining the group. Currently the Rosemount chapter has 16 members.

Tapper needs people to RSVP so she can have enough soldier names available.

To register, e-mail Tapper at DianeT@operationminnesotanice.com or call 651-322-2946 or 612-805-6058.

Tags: military notes, news, rosemount, community