Back

Print this Page

WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP SOLDIER & TEAM MEMBERS ASSIGNED TO 82ND AIRBORNE IN AFGHANISTAN TO RECEIVE CARE PACKAGES AND COMFORT ITEMS FROM HOME

Mayor McCormac Applauds Senior Members & Preschool Children from YMCA at the Woodbridge Community Center for Organizing
“Operation Comfort Package”
 

According to Mayor McCormac, “Operation Comfort Package” brought together more than 20 senior members and preschool children from the YMCA at the Woodbridge Community Center to collect, package and mail donated comfort items, toiletries, books and magazines to a Woodbridge-area soldier and his Ranger Team members stationed in Afghanistan.  The impetus for the “hometown” effort came to light after Carmen Bernier, a preschool teacher at the YMCA, learned that her son-in-law, Sgt. Ariel Gonzalez and his Ranger Team, lacked basic comfort items and toiletries – in fact, three of the PFC’s assigned to the Ranger Team received little or no mail or CARE packages from home.  As a result, Carmen Bernier suggested that the preschool children and the senior members undertake the project to get the items to the Ranger Team.  The overall effort was spearheaded by Lois Griffin, Senior and Community Services Director, YMCA at the Woodbridge Community Center.

“This is a true act of giving which combines two generations - senior residents and preschool children – coming together to aid soldiers stationed overseas.  In fact, this is the perfect community project where Community Center and YMCA members – many of whom are veterans – can engage the day care youngsters and share their experience and knowledge on the importance of supporting our young men and women assigned to protect our freedom in far-away lands,” Mayor McCormac said.  “I am proud of this effort and hope that these few items bring a measure of comfort to Sgt. Gonzalez and his Ranger Team members.”

Mayor McCormac noted that the staff and members of The YMCA at the Woodbridge Community Center will continue “Operation Comfort Package” by collecting comfort items for Woodbridge-area soldiers.  In fact, two former YMCA lifeguards will be completing military training in the near future and are expected to be deployed to Iraq later this year.

The CARE packages include comfort items such as Wet Ones, liquid bath soap, military (green) socks, sun block, lip balm, tooth paste and brushes, disposable razors and shaving cream, Band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, anti-bacterial ointments, shampoo, mouthwash, gum, tissues, foot powder, instant coffee and hot chocolate, instant oatmeal, cookies, books, magazine, cross word puzzle books, and similar items.

Woodbridge area residents wishing to donate comfort items are encouraged to contact Lois Griffin at The YMCA at the Woodbridge Community Center at 732-596-4053.

Back