YMCA staff, families send boxes to overseas troops

• YMCA Military Boxes

Dave Ritsche, left, and Bob Jardine, right, of the American Legion, talk with Virginia DeBruyne, center, during the Overseas Military Christmas Packages event at the YMCA in Superior on Wednesday. More than 50 people helped pack over 100 boxes during this year’s event. (Jed Carlson/jcarlson@superiortelegram.com)

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• Military Boxes at YMCA

The Superior Douglas County Family YMCA held its annual Overseas Military Christmas Packages event on Veterans Day. There was an overwhelming response to the cause, through donations of items, money and time, according to Cathi Austin, health enhancement coordinator for the YMCA. Several thousands of dollars were contributed to the effort to help troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The effort began three years ago when Austin wanted to do something in honor of her son, Joe, who was deployed to the Middle East. With the help of a few SilverSneakers participants, seven boxes were sent to troops for the Christmas season. Two years ago that number grew to 27. Last year, with the help of Marcia Suoja, a YMCA member who is also passionate about the cause, the number expanded to 67. This year that number ballooned to more than 100 boxes.

More than 50 people, both young and old, packed the boxes full of items that were generously donated by so many “Superior” people. The Superior YMCA will be continuing with this annual effort. Look for more info next year near the beginning of November.

Tags: news, ymca, superior, benefit