North Oakland VFW Post 334 Commander Ernie Baker presented a $500 check to Charlotte Cito’s ‘Operation Guardian Angel? program at the Lake Orion Post Office on Thursday, June 4.
The money, from Post 334’s annual fundraiser, will help in Cito’s next mailing.
She sends boxes of supplies to servicemen and women from the area serving overseas, mostly in Iraq.
Cito usually fills the boxes with the things a soldier can’t readily procure like t-shirts, socks, toiletries and snacks.
‘They need our support,? Cito said.
She has also sent boxes filled with items that may help distract soldiers from the realities of war, sporting equipment like soccer balls and baseball.
‘Something to keep them busy,? Cito said.
Almost everything is donated by local businesses and organizations like the veteran’s.
The North Oakland VFW Post 334 meets on the second Thursday of every month in the Club Room of the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1400 Orion Road. Members of the post live in Lake Orion, Oxford, Metemora, Loenard, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills.
The post has only one fundraiser a year, the sale of Buddy Poppies. Their 2009 sale took place May 7, 8 and 9.
Funds raised from the sale of Buddy Poppies by the post are used to help needy veterans in the area, support scouting and youth activities, a variety of community activities and the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Post 334 is also a major supporter of the Orion Veterans Memorial. The post welcomes new members. For more information, veterans can call Baker at 248-391-6933.
Cito said she is always in search of more supplies or donations to offset shipping expenses.
For more information about ‘Operation Guardian Angel,? contact Cito at 248-693-8369. The Lake Orion Post Office is located at 611 N. Axford Road, west of M-24 and north of Indianwood.