Sheriff’s Office Partners With Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon
Youth Leadership Academy Cadets Hold Collection Drive for Troops in Afghanistan
HACKENSACK, N.J. – The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and PBA Local 134 is pleased to announce a partnership with Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, Inc., a local nonprofit organization that sends care packages to U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Officers and Cadets from BCSO’s Youth Law Enforcement Leadership Academy will sponsor a collection drive to benefit soldiers of the New Jersey National Guard’s 2-113th Infantry – SECFOR Platoon, whose 42 soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in late March. Donated goods will also go to two units of the 10th Mountain Division in Southern Afghanistan, which also recently deployed and consists of more than 300 soldiers.
“We are excited to team up with Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon to provide much-needed supplies and care packages to our deployed troops,” Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino said. “These brave men and women have left behind their families and loved ones to defend our country. The least we can do is show them our gratitude and support by sending them some of the comforts of home.”
“We are honored and proud to be working with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. It’s a great fit since our SECFOR Platoon is providing security over there and we even have Bergen County soldiers in the unit,” said Alan Krutchkoff, President, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, “and the 10th Mountain guys have been fighting hard for months and need support. Thanks to everyone for pitching in for our brave warriors!”
The collection drive will take place outside the Bergen County Justice Center on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members of the public and local businesses are encouraged to donate new/unused items, products and/or supplies.
Suggested items include:
Personal Care Products
Q-tips
Lip balm
Deodorant
Razors/Shave Gel
Toothpaste/Toothbrushes/Dental Floss
Tissue
Body and Hand Wipes/Feminine Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Body Wash
Fingernail clippers
Non-Perishable Food Items
Nuts/Trail Mix
Granola/Protein Bars
Powdered drink mix
Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
Protein Shakes
Candy/Cookies
Gum
Miscellaneous Products
T-Shirts/Hats/Socks
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V)
Tobacco/Chewing tobacco/Cigars
Flip-flops
Sporting/Hunting/People-type Magazines (NO BOOKS PLEASE!)
Greeting Cards
Current Video Games (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP)
Dart Boards/Darts
Phone Cards
For more information on Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, please visit www.adoptasoldierplatoon.org. For more information about the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, please contact the Community Outreach Unit at 201-336-3540.