Staff Report-
Treasures for Troops and The First Freewill Baptist Church of Kosciusko County expressed thanks to everyone who participated in Operation “TREAT” a Solider this year. Volunteers filled treat bags and encouraged a deployed service member with a card or letter. The goal of 500 treat bags was reached and the bags were sent to 16 Armed Forces groups throughout Afghanistan, Korea and Kyrgyzstan. The 34 boxes containing the treat bags were mailed out on October 9 and 10, with a total weight of 1109 pounds and 8 ounces and total cost to mail of $1853.65. Through donations and the $2 collected per donated treat bag they were able to raise $1519.25 toward the cost of shipping. Area businesses that acted as pick-up and drop-off location for the treat bags included Vein Institute and Medical Spa, Warsaw Community Public Library, Outdoor Living Center, Manns Kountry Kitchen (Silver Lake), and several area Lake City Banks. Eagle Outdoor Sign Co. and Dan Walcott donated billboards, and volunteers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana Patriot Guard helped get the boxes loaded and taken to the post office. Some service members have already begun receiving their treat bags; pictured is an Air Force groups currently serving in Kabul, Afghanistan, with their bags. To see more pictures and read emails from recipients, as well as information on the Stockings for Soldiers drive that will begin Nov. 16, visit www.facebook.com/treasuresfortroops
