Family & Co. Jewelers is a proud and active supporter of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey. Family & Co. Jewelers is a permanent collection site for OYRSJ; collecting care package items as well and monetary donations that are used for shipping costs.
In 2014 alone through July 3 OYRSJ have shipped 20,894 pounds of care packages to the troops. All of these heroes have some connection to South Jersey (OYRSJ is headquartered in Marlton); currently on the list are over 260 young men and women. Speaking of women; over 40 women are on the list; OYRSJ packs their care packages specifically for women.
These care packages are not intended for one person; they are designed to be shared and shared they are. The heroes regularly send mail and email thanking everyone for their kindness and mentioning how much their entire unit appreciated the kindness of the community.
It is important to know that OYRSJ is an all-volunteer organization. If a dollar is donated; 100 pennies go towards care packages and postage.
But OYRSJ has two “missions” that they perform. The other mission is organizing “Rock Star Fashion” welcome homes; teaming up with Warriors Watch Riders and other patriotic motorcycle groups to create an unbelievable party for the returning hero. Local Police and fire departments always come out to help, as do local dignitaries and many other groups. Sometimes the Boy and or Girl Scouts show up and speaking of the Scouts; area troops are very generous in donating cases upon cases of Girl Scout cookies and Boy Scout popcorn! Also, cheerleading groups and occasionally Mummers brigades show up to add to the party!
The youth of the community are also encouraged to get involved; there have been Eagle Scout projects and Bar and Bat Mitzvah young adults who have requested donations for OYRSJ in lieu of gifts. The country has been in Afghanistan as long as these young adults can remember; they grew up with this war.
Family & Co. Jewelers held a free BBQ to benefit OYRSJ on July 3 and July 5. All the food and drink was free and every member of the Family & Co. team pitched in to help. The two days generated roughly $315 in cash donations, some food donations (including Jim’s Jarhead Jerky and Girl Scout cookies). Equally as important; it raised awareness about what OYRSJ is doing for heroes and the fact that young men and women are still being deployed to Afghanistan.
Please keep in mind that young men and women still need support. They cannot be forgotten; they protect the country’s freedom. Supporting the troops does not mean supporting war; it means that appreciating those who do what they do so that the community can enjoy BBQs, vacations and everything taken for granted every day here in the comfort of America.
If a family member or friend is deployed or about to be deployed to Afghanistan or Operation Enduring Freedom, email [email protected] and provide their APO and return date so care packages can be sent and a welcome home celebration can be planned.
Family & Co. Jewelers accepts donations of items and money every day that Family & Co is open. The items are shipped within a week, sometimes the very next day. For a list of items and for other drop off locations, visit http://www.operationyellowribbonsouthjersey.org/.
