Operation We Care returns to give back to veterans deployed across the world

SALISBURY, Md. – Community members and local groups came together for the annual Operation We Care packaging event. “When you’re in one of the armpits of the world defending the freedom of other people, just a little piece from back home means a lot.” Said, Travis Jones. The current president of the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club.

The retired military veteran was deployed to the Middle East in 2007 and 2008. He will never forget the significance of opening a package for the first time. “You get some smell good that comes in, deodorant or shampoo that smells halfway decent. It was a plus, just little things that you may take for granted.”

During the event, members stuffed boxes with foods like ramen noodles, pop tarts, and caramel popcorn. They also provided vets, with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other supplies.

Operation We Care President, Jeff Merritt, says he enjoys organizing this event yearly because it’s for a good cause. “The holidays are a stressful time; we want to make sure they know we’re thinking about them, and we appreciate what they are doing serving our country and sending them a little taste of home.”

Merritt plans to continue to run the operation for as long as the community supports the initiative.

“Without the community, there is no us. We get a lot of support, financial support, and people donating items to fill the care packages. They donate time, and that’s very important, that’s how we keep moving as an organization.”

If you’d like to donate to Operation We Care, click here.