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Group Wants To Help Troops Celebrate Easter

News Report

Published: February 6, 2009

Support Our Troops is working to provide an Easter surprise for thousands of overseas troops.
The Wesley Chapel-based nonprofit is collecting items like candy, snacks, filled out cards and notes and other small gifts that will fit into 1-gallon Ziploc bags. The group is also accepting toiletries for the troops, but they need to be bagged separately.
Bob Williams, the organization's founder, said he is hoping Sunday School classes, adult groups, civic organizations, businesses and individuals will help with the project by providing pre-filled Ziploc bags with nonperishable and non-liquid items.
The organization is trying to collect 40,000 filled bags. In order for the bags to arrive on time, they must be turned into Williams no later than the end of February.
Last year, the organization was able to ship 25,000 1-gallon bags to troops stationed in active war zones. The overwhelming response from the chaplains was that it was the troops best Easter while they were deployed, Williams said.
In addition to donations, the organization also needs postage. Anyone interested in donating postage can send a check made out to "Postmaster," to PO Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. For more information on how to donate for the Easter drive, call (813) 991-9400 or visit ourtroopsonline.com.