Adopt-A-Battalion Needs Your Help

Adopt-a-Battalion was created in 2004 by Pat and Jack Parker at the suggestion of their son, Lt. Col. Tim Parker, USMC as a result of Tim’s finding that many of the soldiers he was fighting alongside of were not getting so much as a card from home. The Parkers felt that with the sacrifices that our servicemen and women were making to defend our freedoms, the least they could do was make sure that the troops were receiving something from home.

The Parkers decided to begin putting together care packages filled with personal hygiene items such as baby wipes, toothbrushes/toothpaste and sunscreen to prevent sunburn. They also included books and magazines as well as stationary so the troops had a way to pass the time and write to their families. Snacks such as granola bars, peanut butter, coffee singles and Crystal Lite to help keep up their energy also went into the care packages.

This home grown effort has evolved since 2004, and was made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus Council #6911. In 2009, Adopt-a-Battalion became a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

You can help by sending the following items that are currently in need:

Toothpaste and toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, body moisturizer, lotion and cream, chapstick, sun block, bath soap and shampoo, hair care products, feminine products for the women in combat, snacks including hard candy, nuts, beef jerky, single drink mixes and coffee. Heat and serve soups, chewing gum, chips and cookies are also needed. All these items are enormously appreciated and received with open arms.

Adopt-a-Battalion is located at 2 East Gate Rd., Massapequa Park. For more information and to find out how you can help, call 516-342-5557 or visit www.adoptabattalion.org.