Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey will be able to send more care packages to US Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East, and welcome home those who have served in the military, thanks in part to a $3,000 grant from Investors Bank.
Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey collects, purchases and organizes personal hygiene products such as toothbrushes, soap, baby wipes, baby powder, body lotion, and “treats” like Tasty-Kakes, Girl Scout Cookies, chewing gum, etc., into care packages, which it then ships to United States military forces serving in the Middle East including Iraq, Afghanistan and those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. The organization also works with other patriotic organizations to promote and coordinate “welcome home” events for local veterans in the South Jersey area.
David Silver, Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey co-founder, said the organization is grateful to have Investors Bank in the community.
“Investors’ grant will enable us to purchase any items that the troops want and need that have not been donated,” Silver said. “It also will pay for shipping the care packages overseas. It is wonderful that Investors is so active in the community and is eager to become partners with local organizations.”
In the first three months of this year, the OYRSJ has sent 343 care packages to U.S. Military Forces — 10,305 pounds of “goodies and loving reminders of home,” according to Silver. In 2014, the organization shipped 1,417 care packages overseas.
“Investors Bank and the Investors Bank Foundation are grateful to the men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Investors Bank vice president and senior market manager Carmine Pannullo. “They put their lives on the line for all Americans every day. Assisting Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey affords us an opportunity to say ‘thank you’; you are never forgotten.”
