For the seventh consecutive year “Operation Sandbox” will assemble and send care packages to deployed troops using specific donated items as requested by the troops.
In the local area monetary contributions (checks or cash) or donated items will be accepted at local businesses through this Wednesday, Nov. 30.
On Dec. 4, a local patriot who wishes to remain anonymous will deliver the items to a central staging area for packaging and mailing in time for Christmas.
Co-founders Virginia Pearson and her daughter, Julie, started operation Sandbox, now a 501 C (3) non-profit organization, as a one-time effort in November 2004. Churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals supported it. That first year they sponsored 32 extra-large Christmas stockings totaling 420 pounds of items to a Marine unit in Iraq, where Julie’s fiancé was serving his second tour.
What started as a one-time effort quickly expanded into a massive undertaking that collects and ships thousands of pounds of needed items to tens of thousands of troops of all services in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It has been amazing to see the outpouring of love indicated by donations of money, time and items needed by our troops,” say the organizers on their website.
The high level of effort has captured the attention and respect of people from all walks of life, from state elected officials to the vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army in Washington, D.C.
Most recently “Operation Sandbox” was one of the recipients awarded the “Tiffany Award” presented by WXIA-TV (11 Alive) for “outstanding local volunteers who have demonstrated selfless devotion for the betterment of the community.”
“We send care packages to let our troops know they are deeply appreciated for the sacrifices they are making by serving our country,” say the Pearson’s. “We not only support Georgia’s troops but all of our military.”
The donated items are those that have been most requested by troops, and it varies from year to year. This year the list includes hygiene items, food and snacks, drink mixes and entertainment items. A complete listing of items will be found at local drop off points or at the website, www.operationsandboxga.com.
Local drop off points are listed below. For more information see the website at www.operationsandboxga.com or call 770-784-9155.
• Ace Hardware, Miles #1
2006 W. HWY 54
Peachtree City
770-487-7533
• Big Daddy’s
1850 HWY 85 S
Fayetteville
678-817-1410
• Cycle City Power Sports
66 Millard Farmer Ind Blvd
Newnan
770-253-2201
• Eye Care Plus
301 Petrol Point
Peachtree City
770-487-2020
• Gilroy’s Complete Hardware & Lumber
467 S. HWY 74
Peachtree City
770-487-8765
• Great South Harley Davidson
185 E. HWY 16
Newnan
678-228-8213
• King’s Custom Cycle
304 Fairburn Ind Blvd
Fairburn
770-756-9803
• Peachtree Tan & Salon
1005 Georgian Park
Peachtree City
770-631-0088
• The Men’s World Barber
1992 HWY 54 W
Fayetteville
770-487-9061
• The Village Paint Store
935 West Lanier Avenue (HWY 54 W)
Fayetteville
770-461-1556
• The Village Paint Store
1968 W. HWY 54
Fayetteville
770-487-3949
