by Emily Mosier
This summer, U.S. troops stationed overseas will be opening care packages from both the Troy and Dothan campuses of Troy University – and there is still time to donate.
The Troy for Troops Center and The Student Veterans Association is partnering with Operation Shoebox to send hygiene products, snacks and support to active military members. Donations will be accepted until May 1.
“In our minds, everyone supports veterans, but a lot of times we don't realize that they are struggling,” said Meredith Greene, the administrative secretary for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Greene is also a senior human resources major from McDonough, Georgia.
“We should be doing everything that we can stateside to make their lives as comfortable as possible,” Greene said.
This is the first time the Troy campus has participated in Operation Shoebox. The Dothan campus sent 25 boxes last year, and Green said the goal for the Troy campus is 30.
Debby Kirby, the Assistant Registrar on the Dothan campus, and Tatum McClendon, the departmental secretary for Dothan’s College of Education, spearheaded last year’s efforts. They said they were inspired by the large military presence in the university’s student body.
“One of the students was a mom, and her son was actually joining the military at the time, so she was very emotional,” Kirby said. “It touches your heart to be a part of something like this.”
Goods can be dropped off at Kirby or McClendon’s offices on the Dothan Campus. In Troy, donations can be brought to The Troy For Troops Center, which is located in 122 Trojan Center. For those who cannot come to either campus, donations can be made directly through Amazon via the QR code.
“They’re going through the same stuff we’re going through, except overseas they’re completely away from family and friends, and it can be very lonely,” Tatum said, whose brother is in the military. “We should always make sure to take care of them and do stuff like this so that they know they are appreciated and loved back.”
Items that can be donated include food, playing cards, hand-written letters, toiletries, shaving cream, playing cards, writing materials, sunscreen, baby wipes, and more. Items containing aerosol or religious messages should not be donated.
Troy University’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, Scott Brumbeloe, said he hopes Operation Shoebox will become an annual event.
“This is a great way to rally behind a cause for good,” Brumbeloe said. “It helps to remind those who are serving that we truly appreciate what they do and that we’ve ‘got their six’ just as they have ours.”
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