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Virginia Women's Group Donates Items For Troops
(October 6, 2009) | 
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A child's card stands among donated items at an Alexandria, Va., service project to fill boxes for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sept. 26, 2009.
Courtesy photo by Wendi Maney |
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2009 – Sometime around Thanksgiving some troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan will receive boxes filled with gifts from a women's group in
Alexandria, Va.
A child's card stands among donated items at an Alexandria, Va., service
project to fill boxes for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sept. 26, 2009.
Courtesy photo by Wendi Maney
For the first time in 15 years of doing fall service projects, the Mount
Vernon Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
donated granola and energy bars, mints, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other
items at its annual dinner Sept. 26, 2009.
The Relief Society teamed up with Judith Albarelli, of Alexandria who has
been sending boxes to Iraq since her son, Army Capt. Nolan |
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Albarelli of the
25th Infantry Division, was deployed in 2006. |
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Albarelli told his mom that some of his men never got mail from home and
that they needed new boots. Ms. Albarelli began collecting money for boots
and items for boxes. She eventually sent 35 pair of Oakley boots and a
themed box for each of the 15 months her son and his men were deployed.
“It then just became a bad habit,” she jokingly said about something that
has truly become a labor of love. Capt. Albarelli continues to give his mom
names of soldiers who don't receive mail and may need extra encouragement.
She sends the boxes to the troops until they return home and then a new
group of troops is chosen.
As people heard about Albarelli's project, they started dropping items at
her house. She gratefully accepts everything. “A little makes a lot,” she
said.
Albarelli doesn't receive requests for specific items, although she always
asks the troops when they are first deployed, she said.
Troops especially like homemade cards from children and when a new group of
servicemembers become recipients of Albarelli's boxes, she usually includes
a large, handmade calendar that they can use to count down to when they come
home, she said.
While the items are donated, Albarelli packs each box personally and pays
the average $13 each to ship them.
“I want to pack the boxes. I want to know what is in the boxes,” she said.
“My part always has been and always will be to pay for shipping. That is my
deal with God for bringing my son home.”
The Relief Society gathers annually to do a service project and share a
meal. This year, they filled 40 bags of requested items, said Deborah Blair,
a group leader. The items will be sorted and combined with other items from
the community, she said.
“We have the servicemembers on our minds during this difficult time,” Blair
said. “This project blends the church with service to the community and
highlights our appreciation for the troops.” | |
By Heather Forsgren Weaver
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
Reprinted from American Forces Press Service / DoD
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