Donations For Treasures For Troops Treat Bags Needed
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Staff Report-
Born out of heartache is the way Susan Manns describes her labor of love, Treasures for Troops. Susan and her husband, Bernie, of Silver Lake, could never have children of their own. Each Mother’s Day was a painful reminder of an unfulfilled longing. The desire to have someone to mother always weighed heavy on Susan’s heart. Finally, in 2007, she decided to stop feeling miserable and asked God what he wanted her to do. He placed on her heart to do a soldier ministry. Having no military ties at all, she was not completely sold on the idea, but she kept an open mind. Shortly after, she received the name of an Army private serving in Afghanistan. Susan and Bernie “adopted” this soldier and sent him a box of support once a month in addition to cards, letters and weekly emails. It quickly became clear to the Manns that no matter what they sent to their “child”, big or small, it was shared among his unit. They, along with friends from church, began sending boxes to not only their adopted soldier, but also to the soldiers in his unit. “I’m pleased to say that what started out as a small gesture of gratitude has now turned into a full-time ministry for us at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County in Claypool,” Susan said. “When you enjoy what you do, the work is worth it.” Treasures for Troops currently sends monthly support to nine groups serving in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. The group’s October project is Halloween treat bags. The second annual “Operation Treat a Soldier” kicks off Sept. 24 and goes through Oct. 5. Last year, 220 soldiers were treated. Susan is hoping to surpass 300 this year. “It’s nice to see that even though the news is reporting that people are forgetting about the war and those who serve, that our community still has a heart for our soldiers,” Susan said. Treat bags may be picked up at Vein Institute & Medi Spa in Warsaw, Warsaw Community Public Library, Manns Kountry Kitchen in Silver Lake, the Silver Lake Post Office and Outdoor Living Center in Warsaw. Inside each treat bag is a list of instructions and specific items with which to fill the treat bag, including a personal card or note. “Halloween treat bags are silly and fun. It’s from home and its candy, but it’s the letter inside that makes the impact for the soldier to let them know you care,” Susan said. It is important to stick to the list to keep shipping costs down, according to Susan. Shipping the treat bags costs nearly $1,000, which is paid for through fundraisers held throughout the year including bake sales and garage sales as well as tax deductible donations. For every filled treat bag returned to Vein Institute & Medi Spa, participants will receive a $5 coupon to use toward any product or service. For Jennifer Kauffman, CEO and nurse practitioner at Vein Institute & Medi Spa, the cause is close to her heart. “My nephew, Ryan, is currently serving in Afghanistan,” Kauffman said. “We don’t hear from him very often because he is stationed in the mountains. The troops need to know we love and support them.”For more information, call Vein Institute & Medi Spa at 574-267-1900 or stop by the office at 3505 N. Ind. 15, Warsaw. Also visit the Treasures for Troops Facebook page at facebook.com/treasuresfortroops
