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The Reader’s Forum

Blue Star Mothers Begin Donation Drive

To The Reader’s Forum:

Every year, as I march in the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades with the NY Chapter 4 Blue Star Mothers, viewing hundreds of proud, flag-waving Americans and precious children adorned in red, white and blue from head to toe, I am troubled by a statistic I once heard. Researching it again, it was reconfirmed to me: New York State ranks 48 out of 50 states for overall patriotism, and 49 out of 50 for “military engagement.” (https://wallethub.com/edu/most-patriotic-states/13680/)

Well, you could have fooled me! And I know a few hundred others in the Jamestown area who, if they could proportionately represent all of New York State, would blow that statistic upside-down! For you see, with the help of the Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 4, this humble, patriotic community in Chautauqua County has sent 898 military care packages to our deployed men and women this past Christmas and Easter alone! With the financial and material support of this community, we Mothers of Military (MOMS) have been overwhelmed with the assistance and involvement of hundreds of patriotic New Yorkers residing in Chautauqua County. And we have received scores of thank-you notes from truly humble and grateful troops – not just American troops, but from many different nations, as our honorable men and women have shown the world what real patriotism looks like! Now we want to pass that gratitude along to you, the Jamestown community.

And now we Blue Star Mothers have the privilege of “adopting” an entire platoon of 34 men and 10 women who are stationed in Germany, but who will be moving into many different countries for various missions where there are no dining facilities and few supplies. As adoptive MOMs, we want to show these soldiers as much support and admiration as we can, and we would like to invite you to become part of this mission. These brave men and women aren’t asking for anything extravagant – just homemade cards and notes of encouragement, and some simple snack items to hold them over. Would you please consider donating travel blankets, peanut butter, individual snack packs, beef jerky, trail mixes, or even iTunes gift cards to this drive? You may drop off donations at any Jamestown-area Tim Hortons, the Northwest Ice Arena (319 W. 3rd St), Andersons Cleaners (5 Hunt Ave), or Fluvanna Community Church (3363 Fluvanna Ave). Or we would be happy to pick your donations up from you if you call (716) 450-5593.

We will be collecting donations until May 17, and are packing boxes on Friday, May 19, at 6 PM at the Fluvanna Community Church. You are welcome to join us. You too will wonder how in the world we ended up 48th out of 50 for patriotism! Come be a part of undoing that regrettable dishonor as we give proper honor and support to our deployed troops.

Thank you, Jamestown community!

Kathleen Collver,

Jamestown,

Vice President

Lake Erie NY4 Blue Star Mothers

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