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Jeff Lyons, right rear, store manager of Stop N’ Shop in Putnam, shows display of items to be sent to local military personnel who are deployed to Sandra Lisee of the Putnam Bank “Pep Squad” and Ron Coderre, commander of American Legion Post #13. The store is helping gather nonperishable items for local men and women. The project started through Putnam Bank, which joined with the American Legion in the effort. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — The Putnam Bank “Pep Squad,” a group of bank employees who plan and participate in charitable deeds for local non-profits, is partnering with the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 in support of local troops who are deployed out of country. The program, titled “Military Care Package Supply Drive,” runs through April 30 and is a joint effort to procure nonperishable items that will then be mailed directly to local men and women who are currently serving in the military around the world.
“Our employees have always worked to find ways to give back to the communities where we’re located. We all know someone who has served or is serving in the military so we wanted to support those local service men and women who are currently deployed. When they receive these packages they’ll know that the folks at home are keeping them in their thoughts,” said Lynn Bourque, Putnam Bank senior vice president.
“When we discussed the idea at a “Pep Squad” meeting we felt it was natural to partner with the local American Legion Post as they have a mission of caring for veterans and community as well,” she added.
Putnam Bank and Post #13 are asking local residents to drop off nonperishables items such as soaps and body products, toothpaste and tooth brushes, shampoos, books, stamps, note paper, hard candies and other non-perishable edible items and clothing items such as no-show socks. Items can be dropped at the main office of Putnam Bank, 40 Main St., in Putnam or at any local branch.
Anyone wishing to support the project with a monetary donation may do so by making checks payable to American Legion Post #13 and mailing to P.O. Box 123, Putnam, CT 06260-0123. Care Package Supply Drive should be indicated in the note section of the check.
“The membership of Post #13 was extremely enthusiastic when it was approached with this idea by Ms. Bourque. The Post has been very active in community affairs and ventures over the years and this project is just the type of community service we enjoy participating in,” said Ronald P. Coderre, Post #13 commander. “Many of the men and women who’ll be receiving these packages are affiliated with our American Legion Post. We understand what it’s like to be away from home in a foreign land.”
Anyone with information on any local Service man or woman who is deployed is urged to get their information to Bourque at 860-928-6501 or Coderre 860-928-6772.
The project appears to be gaining momentum as local citizens and organizations are inquiring about ways to assist or are collecting items.