On Saturday, April 2nd, twenty members of the community gathered to prepare care packages for soldiers stationed overseas for the eighth event of Operation Touch of Home (OTOH). One of these volunteers was Airman 1st Class Andrew Staruk, a former recipient of an OTOH care package. More than forty care packages were prepared, bringing the total number sent by OTOH to more than 425 since 2007.
Each package included a pound of specially labeled coffee, “Operation Touch of Home Brew”, donated by Dean’s Beans of Orange. Each package also included handwritten cards and drawings from students at Swift River School in New Salem. Volunteers wrote a personalized note for each soldier.
Shipping expenses were paid for by donations made by local businesses and members of the community. As a way to continue to raise money for these efforts, OTOH is currently selling raffle tickets for five seats to the May 16th Red Sox vs. Orioles game at Fenway Park. Proceeds of the raffle will benefit OTOH and the Foundation for Community Justice. For information on where to purchase tickets, contact Anne of the Diemand Farm at (978) 544-3806. The drawing will be held on May 1st. Tickets are $10 each.
