Boxes for Soldiers 2021 Care Package Drive begins Saturday, May 15

Beginning Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 15 until Tuesday, May 25, residents are asked to help send some much needed items to members of the military serving overseas.

The idea for a care package drive began in 2014 during the funeral of Kevin Kless, a recent Temple University graduate at that time and victim of a brutal attack in Philadelphia.

A few months after the funeral his mother, Kendall Kless, received a letter from the mother of one of her son’s friends, then serving in Afghanistan.

The woman’s son had learned of the scholarship fund that had been established in Kevin Kless’ name, and had instructed his mom to send a donation on his behalf of $500.

Pay it forward

Kless then decided she wanted to pay it forward for military service men and women serving overseas and came up with the idea of a care package drive.

Later, Rob Bowen, a Navy veteran who had volunteered to help service members and veterans, learned of the new program and soon became a partner in the organization.

And this year Boxes for Soldiers is supporting three units in Africa using a wish list compiled by them.

“We are so grateful,” said Kless, “to the Warwick Conference Center for allowing us to pack boxes in their huge camp building, providing very needed space to spread out in COVID times.”

Drop-off locations

Albert Wisner Public Library, the Warwick Town Hall and Leo Kaytes Ford are serving as drop-off locations as well as the Florida Public Library.

Other drop-off locations,include Chester Library, Patriotic Insurance in ShopRite Plaza, Keller Williams Realty in Middletown and Amore’s Pizza in Goshen.

“We also have support,” added Kless, “from Warwick Rotary, which is wonderful.”

Packing of the boxes will take place at Warwick Conference Center and will continue daily until all items are packed.

Cash donations are also appreciated via PayPal at: boxesforsoldiershv or mail a check made out to Boxes For Soldiers c/o Rob Bowen at Patriotic Insurance, 78 Brookside Ave., Chester, NY 10918.

Volunteers are also needed, daytime and/or evening hours.

Essentials

For additional information or to volunteer, contact:

Kendall Kless at Boxesforsoldiershv@gmail.com or Rob Bowen at rob@insuranceleadership.com.