Last Minute Blitz Mounted To Send Care Boxes to Iraq Troops

UPDATE DECEMBER 14: following an initial outpouring of care, over 190 boxes were filled and mailed last week. Names of 52 new soldiers have been received and boxes will again be assembled on Sunday, Dec. 17 at St. Augustine's cafeteria. from 9-11am. There will also be a collection for holiday gift baskets for area families with a parent deployed in the military.

by Judy Silberstein

(December 6, 2006) When Jennie McFarland’s husband, Colonel Thomas F. McFarland, was in Iraq last year she began sending care packages to him: black socks, cookies, personal letters, pictures of their boys. Soon, however, what began as a family affair morphed into a large-scale production when her 4th grade CCD class at St. Augustine’s Church in Larchmont adopted the idea of sending Easter care packages for the troops still in Iraq. The entire parish joined the project, and by the time the boxes were ready to go there were over 160 cartons full of phone cards, batteries, disposable cameras, granola bars, puzzle books, candy, CDs and other much-requested items.

Her husband is back; he arrived home on May 4th just two days before their third son was born. But local interest in supporting the troops continues.

Jenny McFarland and sons Tommy (left) and George (right) prepare care boxes for Americans serving in Iraq.

“We’re sending packages to Iraq again – on short notice – because my friends kept asking ‘Are we going to do it again?’ At a holiday luncheon last week, my friends urged, if you do it, we’ll help and we will get our children and neighbors involved,” explained Ms. McFarland.

She agreed and is working to get a drive organized in just 11 days. “The key is that I can get the addresses for our troops far forward in the field because my husband has the military contacts. Tom sent a few emails and we have over 15 addresses of groups in Iraq that would be very grateful to receive care items and supportive notes from home,” she said.

So far, just by sending out emails asking for help with this project, Ms. McFarland has more than 40 local families offering support. Also, Larchmont Cub Scout Pack 33 very quickly mobilized and will be on hand this Sunday as well. “I suspect we may get enough donations to send 50 or more very well stocked care packages,” she predicted.

Ms. McFarland lives in New Rochelle but grew up in Rouken Glen in Larchmont and attended Murray Avenue, Hommocks and Mamaroneck High School. She is not at all surprised by the generosity of her neighbors in Larchmont.

Ms. McFarland said, “it’s a good thing to do, and the thank you notes sent back from the troops are a testament to the fact that our support makes a big difference to our men and women serving in this war.” One young captain wrote, “ I cannot fully express my gratitude for your prayers and support. My men are thousands of miles from wives, children . . . your care packages & words of encouragement are a reminder of the American spirit; a reminder of why we fight.”

Another wrote, “My troops work in very hard conditions and it’s the kind thoughts that these boxes bring that make a difference. Thank you so much for your support and Patriotism. “

The McFarlands and friends will be at St. Augustine’s Church cafeteria on Larchmont Avenue (next to the Library) on Sunday, December 10 from 9am to 11am to collect items. The wish list is attached below and any questions may be sent to Jennie.mcfarland@verizon.net.

Soldiers’ Wish Lists

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