Horsham AGS pushes packages destined for deployed military

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond
  • 111th Attack Wing Public Affairs
HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa --  Along with Liberty USO volunteers, the 111th Attack Wing here began sending out care packages to deployed service members Nov. 19.

The bundles were assembled by 111th ATKW members and area Pa. Army National Guardsmen who aligned with the Liberty USO and Wawa, Inc. on Nov. 10 in Media, Pennsylvania.

But the volunteerism didn't stop at assembly. Wing members and Liberty USO associates began mobilizing the packages that had been housed on base awaiting distribution.

"The boxes are going to Afghanistan, Kuwait, Japan or wherever they're needed," said Kristen Lowe, program and outreach manager at Liberty USO, located here. "We ask for addresses of the (deployed) people in our general service area first and then we present it on Twitter and Facebook and see if there is any need in other locations. After that, we reach out to our volunteers to see if they know someone who is deployed."

Lowe also said that the response from recipients, which she normally receives via email and Facebook, has been overwhelming since the inception of the decade-long project.

"They absolutely love it," said Lowe. "Especially if those receiving the care packages are from this region - they love Wawa products."

Estimated to be 7,800 pounds of items, the boxes consist of local convenience store favorites, such as coffee and confections. Also include were hand-written support letters from Wawa Inc. employees to deployed military members.

"I never have, but my sister has been deployed," said Senior Airman Charlissa Adams, a 111th Services Squadron member and volunteer. "I know that when (my sister's unit was) deployed, they really wanted something from home. So, getting anything local is important to them. We really are sending them a piece of home."

Approximately 5,000 packages are in the process of being shipped overseas from Wawa Inc.'s event titled, "Taste of Home." But Liberty USO, along with Horsham AGS's Airman & Family Readiness Center here, conduct campaigns through the year assisting deployed members and their families.

For more information on volunteering with the Liberty USO, call 215-365-8010. To find out more about programs conducted by the base A&FRC, call 215-323-7132.