Sebring groups cheer U.S. troops with packages of needed items

Care packages are being shipped overseas to
stationed troops.

By ASHLEY TATE

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

SEBRING — Troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan have received care packages and will continue to receive more from collaborative group efforts in Mahoning County.

The Sebring Lions, Sebring American Legion Post No. 76 and Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion have sent the troops 59 boxes so far, with nine more ready to go.

Sue Safkow, program coordinator, is thankful for the community support and the help that she and the organizations’ members have had to provide care packages for the troops.

“The troops are so glad that we remember them,” Safkow said.

The troops have sent back pictures and letters, Safkow said, showing that they received the care packages and are gratified by the groups’ displays of kindness.

Auxiliary member Carey Meissner, a Gold Star Mother, gathered items from her workplace, Portage County Health Center, and her church, Atwater United Methodist Church, and is involved in the efforts in remembrance of her son.

“My son Danny McVickers lost his life in Iraq, and this is my way of honoring him,” she said.

Gold Star Mothers is made up of women who have lost a son or daughter in service to their country. The organization was named after the Gold Star that families hung in their windows in honor of the deceased service member.

The groups have collected boxes of donated food, and Safkow said they have plenty of snacks, but are in need of personal items such as shaving gels, razors, foot powder, bandannas, petroleum jelly and other items that work well in high temperatures.

Monetary donations are also needed for postage, Safkow said.

Bill Glass, an employee of B. Tech Inc., in Canton, made a monetary donation for postage. Glass lost a nephew in Iraq and has another stationed there.

Jeff Schafer, American Legion canteen manager, said that SAL in Sebring will have an all-you-can-eat benefit breakfast to raise more funds for postage.

The breakfast, from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, will consist of bacon, sausage, ham, biscuits, sausage gravy, pancakes, french toast, eggs, potatoes, coffee and juices.