Saluting The Troops - Chicagoland 9/12 Group Sends $15K in Supplies Overseas

As Chicago (and most of the nation) baked in the oppressive heat wave of last week, a small group of local 912 Project members were busy gathering supplies to send overseas to the troops serving in Afghanistan. The "Summer Supplies for Soldiers" program was the brainchild of the Southtown 912 Project organizer Lucie Wier and her daughter.

After putting out the word to friends, neighbors and a few local businesses, the Weirs and their 912 Project volunteers were inundated with donations of sunscreen, lip balm, beef jerky, playing cards and other basic items often requested by the men and women serving in Afghanistan.

At the end of the weekend's collection and packing festival, more than $15,000 in supplies were gathered and packed into boxes to be shipped overseas. At least 253 soldiers will be receiving special packages from home. Thanks to the Women's Auxiliary at theVFW (Local Post #5079), all of the postage needed to ship the packages has been paid.

We salute the tireless efforts of the American troops every single day, but we also recognize the work being done by great organizations like the 912 Project.

The local ABC affiliate covered the story.

H/T - The 912 Project