Warsaw resident Jane Holmes, mother of U.S. Army Sgt. Nicholas "Nick" J. Patterson, is encouraging the community to collect candy to send to deployed troops in memory of her son.
Patterson was killed along with six other 82nd Airborne paratroopers in a non-combat truck crash Sept. 10 in Iraq. Patterson graduated from Rochester High School in 2001 and joined the Army in May 2004. He was serving his second deployment to Iraq.
Holmes, who conducted a candy drive last year for troops, said, "When Nick was deployed during his first tour, he would tell us that there were a lot of soldiers who never received any letters, cards or packages from home. This really broke our hearts, knowing these soldiers were fighting for our freedom."
Holmes said she wants to encourage the community to give back to let soldiers know they are not forgotten here at home in the United States.
Last year, the candy drive in Warsaw resulted in 1,632 quart-size treat bags filled with candy. Each treat bag also contained a soldier's prayer, a thank-you note, an American flag and a picture made by local elementary students. The bags were shipped to the soldiers in time for Christmas.
Candy will be collected through Nov. 4 and can be dropped off at DePuy, 700 Orthopedic Drive, every day of the week. There is a box labeled "drop box" that is at the west entrance doors.
Individually wrapped candies are preferred. Requested items are hard candy disks, Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, Tic Tacs, sweet tarts, fruit snacks, cereal bars, cookies, Payday candy bars, peanuts, M&Ms, bubble gum, beef jerky sticks, Gatorade, Crystal Light powder sticks, chewing gum, suckers, Rice Krispie treats, Cracker Jacks, sunflower seeds and granola bars. Baby wipes and monetary donations also are welcome.
People who can not drop items off, but want to participate, may call Scott or Jane at 574-551-9309 or 574-372-7354 to schedule a time for items to be picked up.
Elementary students and young children are welcome to write letters or make pictures to send to soldiers.
Anyone may send the address of a deployed soldier to: Jane Holmes, 110 EMS C-29 A-Lane, Warsaw, IN 46582, in order to have a box of about 50 treat bags sent to the soldier.
The bags will be sent to members of all branches of the military so they arrive before Christmas. The treat bags will be filled Nov. 10 and shipped Nov. 12. Shipping costs will be paid for by DePuy where Scott and Jane Holmes work.
Anyone who wishes to help fill the bags Nov. 10 can call Holmes.
