Harrison County group prepares holiday care packages for deployed service members

The Harrison County Military Support Group has been sending care packages to service members since 2003. It was first started by Terry Stewart and Carla Swaney Thomas. The group packs four times a year: Easter, July 4, Halloween/Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

They are led by Treasurer Doris Crawford, Vice President Stacey Greer, and President Sarah Snyder.

“We’ve received positive feedback from soldiers that express their appreciation,” said Snyder. “We will send to any Harrison County active and deployed service members that we receive an address for.”

They just completed 28 Halloween/Thanksgiving boxes for 23 active soldiers. The number of boxes at each event varies with deployment dates, enlistments and waiting on addresses to be provided. 

“We receive zero funding; we are not a 501c3 charity,” Snyder said. “We are 100% volunteers.”

The group receives donations from both individuals in the community as well as local businesses like Williams Energy, MarkWest, BrightSide Tavern, Sander’s Market, Encino Energy and Dr. Cody Ching DDS.

Donations come in many forms, with soldiers requesting homemade cookies, beef jerky, protein bars, nuts and coffee. The group’s Christmas wishlist for donations includes peanut butter, Pringles, microwave popcorn, sunflower seeds, tuna, card games, toothbrushes and toothpaste, gum, chapstick, candy canes, mints, ramen noodles, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies, instant coffee, drink mixes, candy bars, and more. 

“Monetary donations are also vital to the success of sending packages to Harrison County active and deployed service members,” Snyder said. “Shipping costs have increased to $30 per box and we anticipate sending each soldier two boxes.”

Donation requests and information on packing dates are posted to the group’s Facebook page: Harrison County Military Support Group. 

“Anyone is welcome to attend our packing dates,” Snyder said. 

The next packing party is Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Harrison County Senior Center in Cadiz. Donations can be dropped off at the center a day or two before or the morning of Dec. 2. Monetary donations can be mailed to HCMSG 86990 Amsterdam Road Jewett, Ohio 43986.