For U.S. soldiers serving in far-off and often hostile foreign lands, nothing beats a taste of home.
In order to show them that they are not forgotten and that folks back home are appreciative of their vigilance, bravery and sacrifices, Daisy Troop 70945 is engaged in a ‘Troops to Troops? fund-raiser.
So far, the troop, which is based at Leonard Elementary School, has raised a grand total of $198 enabling them to send 33 packages of sweet candies and savory treats to military men and women stationed overseas. Shipping is subsidized by a group called Operation Troop Aid.
Each tin of treats was paid for by $6 donations from members of the public. ‘The girls have been selling their candy for the last two weeks,? said Troop Leader Sasha Fritz, who noted their presence at Saturday’s Scarecrow Festival in downtown Oxford was the big push. ‘We know that Oxford, as a community, supports the troops.?
Twenty-six of the troop’s 33 orders for soldiers were taken at the Scarecrow Festival.
Troop 70945, which was just formed last month, will continue collecting donations for the troops at the Kroger store (460 N. Lapeer Rd.) in Orion Township on Nov. 4 from 2-4 p.m. and at Harvest Time (1125 S. Lapeer Rd.) in Oxford Township on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The ‘Troops to Troops? fund-raiser will begin again this winter with a different treat that’s much more iconic.
‘Starting in January, we’ll send Girl Scout cookies for the soldiers overseas,? Fritz said.
Right now, Daisy Troop 70945 consists of four Leonard students ? first-graders Sophia Samborski and Nevaeh Britt along with kindergartners Abby Stinson and Isabella Franz.