• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

Stocking up for the troops

November 9, 2011 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Lutz Patriots hope to send ‘tons of stuff’ to soldiers

By Kyle LoJacono

The Lutz Patriots are gearing up to send care packages to U.S. soldiers serving overseas in time for the holiday season but need a little help from the community.

The group, which formed in March of 2003 during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, will have a packing party on Saturday, Nov. 26 to prepare as many packages as possible for the troops. The boxes will include items like snack foods, hygiene products and entertainment.

“Basically anything to make their lives a little easier,” said patriot member Bruce Hockensmith. “We like to send as much as we can, so we’re asking anyone who can to donate a few things so we can give them a nice treat. We want to send tons of stuff.”

The packages will be mailed right after the packing party so they reach the troops by Christmas.

Hockensmith was a sergeant in the Army and served in Germany from 1965-68. He said getting care packages was a little thing that helped him get through the tough times.

“I remember serving and how much it meant to me just getting a letter from home,” Hockensmith said. “For those young men and women far away from home, the least we can do is make them feel a little more comfortable.”

The patriots send packages to the troops on a regular basis but try and make a big push right before the holidays. They also receive cards from soldiers thanking them for the kind gesture.

“Seeing pictures and reading letters from the troops lets us know that the soldiers are getting the gifts we send,” said patriot member Judy McCray. “It’s always a thrill to see those letters.”

Anyone interested in donating to the cause should e-mail . Hockensmith said the group will pick up items right up to Friday, Nov. 25, or donations can be dropped off on any Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. when the patriots wave American flags in front of the Old Lutz Schoolhouse on US 41.

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

September 5, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Tampa Bay welcomes WAVE Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art spinal care clinic founded by Dr. Ryan LaChance. WAVE … [Read More...] about WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

Only a Few Homes Remain — It’s Your Final Chance to Build Your Home in Del Webb Bexley

August 29, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Time is running out on your chance to live at Del Webb Bexley. We’ve built the ideal active adult community to suit your … [Read More...] about Only a Few Homes Remain — It’s Your Final Chance to Build Your Home in Del Webb Bexley

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

10/03/2023 – Drawing Workshop

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Drawing Workshop: Exquisite Corpse, on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as part of its Museum + Art Series. Participants can learn about the exquisite corpse drawing method and create a drawing inspired by surrealist artists. Registration is required; call 727-815-7126. To learn more, visit MOMA.org/collection/terms/exquisite-corpse. … [Read More...] about 10/03/2023 – Drawing Workshop

10/03/2023 – Halloween Games/Crafts

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host Teen Halloween Games and Crafts on Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 13 to 17. Supplies will be provided. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 10/03/2023 – Halloween Games/Crafts

10/03/2023 – Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a porch book sale on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring all genres of books including novels, nonfiction, biographies, sewing, cooking, self-help, and more. The porch sale takes place every Tuesday. Call 813-929-1214 for information. … [Read More...] about 10/03/2023 – Library Book Sale

10/04/2023 – Harry Potter Club

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Harry Potter Club on the first Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m., for wizards, witches and muggles in grades five to eight. The next meeting is Oct. 4. Fans can gather to create replicas of popular items from the series, while discussing the books and movies. Participants do not have to read the books. Register online at bit.ly/PCLSEvents. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 10/04/2023 – Harry Potter Club

10/04/2023 – Houseplant Discussion

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a master gardener discussion about houseplants on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 10/04/2023 – Houseplant Discussion

10/04/2023 – Spells and Potions

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Witching Hour: Spells and Potions on Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for adults. Participants can create a love potion bottle and a witchy wand. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126. … [Read More...] about 10/04/2023 – Spells and Potions

More of What's Happening

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2023 Community News Publications Inc.

   
%d bloggers like this: