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Local Marines inspire collection for troops in Afghanistan
(by Joan Demirjian - April 14, 2010)
Local Marines inspire collection for troops in Afghanistan
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Two local Marines are the inspiration for a collection campaign to send donations to Marines serving in Afghanistan.
A Marine flag flies in the front window of Hedges Designs Inc. store on North Franklin Street in Chagrin Falls, where the collection is taking place.
Two Hedges employees, Becky Crowley and Kelli McLellan, have sons serving in the Marines in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Jantzen McLellan is a 2007 graduate of Chagrin Falls High School and already has served a tour in Iraq. Lance Cpl. Darin Crowley graduated from Kenston High School in 2008. They were deployed to Afghanistan within a month of one another in 2009, however, they are in different Marine battalions. Both are stationed in the desert.
Mrs. Crowley, whose brother is also a Marine, said the Hedges campaign started when she and Ms. McLellan were talking about sending items to their sons.
Other Hedges store employees asked about what they needed, and that was the start of the collection project. Items most requested and appreciated by deployed Marines will be sent overseas.
Every spring, the store employees take on a charity and so they decided to send much-needed items to the two Marines, who then share everything they receive from home with their fellow Marines.
They appreciate the most-simple items, including things like socks, soft wipes and Ramen noodles, Mrs. Crowley said.
"They don't have showers or laundry facilities," Mrs. Crowley said. "They wear socks and underwear and then have to throw them away for hygiene reasons."
When the word got out that the store was calling for donations, people started bringing items in, Mrs. Crowley said.
"Everyone seemed to care about this," Mrs. Crowley said. "It's exciting." And the United Service Organizations is willing to pay for the shipping, she said.
She talked to her son three weeks ago. They sleep in the sand, with no tent.
They are delighted to receive peanut butter crackers, single-serving tuna and Fruit by the Foot. "It is so simple, but they think it is wonderful," Mrs. Crowley said.
When she mails a package, it can take up to four weeks, she said.
Hedges store manager Sharon Garofolo said a significant dollar amount already has been donated to buy items as well.
"It's touching and heartwarming," she said. "It really feels great to do something." And the military personnel share everything, so mail days are some of the happiest for the Marines.
"I just think what we're doing is the right thing, and we're so excited," Ms. Garofolo.
Ms. McLellan said the Marines are in the desert in conditions most people can't imagine.
They have no kitchens and the meals are pre-packaged military issued. She sends her son tuna for protein.
They shower with bottled water and wipes, she said. Their clothes are not being laundered, so she regularly sends her son socks and underwear for hygiene reasons, Ms. McLellan said.
"They look forward to getting anything from home," Ms. McLellan said. "And they share it with everyone. It boosts their morale," she said.
Donated items can be brought to the store between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 13 N. Franklin St. Anyone who donates items will receive a free raffle ticket.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 17, the store will host a Heather Moore jewelry trunk show and the raffle will be held during the event. Winners need not be present.
A wall of well wishes at the store displays all the personal notes of encouragement to the Marines brought in by customers and visitors. The notes will be included in the boxes shipped to the Marines.
Food items that are enjoyed by the military personnel include any pre-packaged food such as tuna and chicken in easy-open cans, beef jerky, protein and granola bars, small bags of nuts, candy, dried fruit, hot chocolate packets and instant oatmeal packets.
Practical items include white crew socks, eye drops, lip balm, sun-block sticks, dental floss, travel-size mouthwash, soft packages of Wet Ones wipes, bug-repellent wipes, AAA and AA batteries and AT&T international phone cards.
Paperback books, magazines, disposable cameras, hand-held electronic games and miniature board games are also appreciated by the military.
A complete list of much-needed items is available at the store. For more information, call Hedges at (440) 247-2344.
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