The Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 20 of Jamestown is selling Christmas trees to raise funds to send care packages overseas. The trees start at $20 donation and the homemade fresh wreaths start at $5 donation.

Starting Black Friday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. until sold out. Trees will be for sale Monday through Thursday from 3-7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Harley Davidson of Jamestown at the intersection of Route 394 and Interstate 86.

All proceeds are benefiting the Veterans of Modern Warfare CH 20 in their efforts to help Blue Star Mothers send Christmas care packages to troops overseas, sending care packages throughout the year and donating to local veterans in need. The Blue Star Mothers will be accepting donations inside Harley Davidson and at tree lot during Christmas tree sales.

VMW sends packages continuously throughout the year. These care packages from home can help ease the difficulty of being so far away from family and friends. The care packages definitely do not bring them home but include some of the basic necessities they may normally be without.

Each care package that is sent has an estimated value of $85. It contains roughly $60 worth of supplies and it costs between $20 and $25 to ship each box. We include items such as: shampoo, body wash, soap, deodorant, Chapstick, nasal spray, Vaseline, eye drops, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cotton balls, Q-tips, socks, assorted hard candies, granola bars, peanuts, instant coffee, teabags, Ramen noodles, trail mix, cookies, pretzels, envelopes, pens, paper and fun stuff too like, games, dice, puzzle books, footballs, baseballs and gloves and even dog treats for our 4-legged soldiers.

Donations whether goods or monetary are always graciously accepted and appreciated. VMW is working this Christmas to send as many care packages as possible to any Serviceman/woman serving overseas.

President of the VMW, Joe Paladino stated: “The brave servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces protect our freedom and liberty every day.

“We, at home, get to enjoy the privileges that are afforded to us due to their continuing hard work. VMW continues to find ways to show our appreciation and support. Fundraising efforts and community donations make it possible for us to send the care packages filled with supplies and comforts of home to remind them that we are forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made to ensure our rights. As they come home, we will continue our support mission here at home with the VMW helping local veterans in need.

“We will welcome them home and into our veteran family as we do all veterans of all eras. God Bless America and the American Soldier.”

If you are looking to help support our mission or request a package be sent to someone that is deployed, contact us: VMW CH 20, 2538 Fisher Hill Road in Kennedy, or call Melodie Paladino at 450-6768. You can also find us on Facebook by searching VMW CH 20 INC Jamestown. Due to Confidentiality and Privacy Restrictions, we are not allowed to call and ask for soldiers addresses. That is why we are asking for the community’s help in reaching our deployed troops.”

In order to give support to veterans and servicemen/women we hold several fundraising events: Annual events; Christmas Tree/Wreath Sale, Chicken BBQ’s, and 200 Club. Other Events; Bake Sales, Raffles, 50/50 drawings, Chinese Auctions, Live Auctions, and several others. On a regular basis our veterans and members also attend different Veteran functions, participate in parades, and inform veterans and their families of benefits available to them.