Operation Any Soldier 

Youth putting troop care packages together - March 2007

The Youth Group of McConnell United Methodist Church is hosting a yearlong Outreach Project that will benefit our men and women fighting overseas.  We have selected 5 troops serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan through an online website dedicated to our soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen.  Through the year 2007, the youth group will be sending letters of support and care packages to these heroes and their units.  The soldiers get the items we send to them and distribute the items to other soldiers they work with who may not receive much in terms of mail or support from home.  Many of these troops are single or have little family to back them up while fighting for our freedom.  This is where we are helping out!  Due to security measures, the names of the soldiers we selected are not listed on this page.  If you would like to learn more about the soldiers we are helping, please look at the bulletin board inside the front entrance of the church.  Items donated can be dropped off at the McConnell UMC at any time.  Questions?  Please call the church office at 815-868-2324 or Tim Mulhall, at 815-868-2314.

Like to help out a soldier or two yourself?  Then go here and select from this growing list of men and women serving to protect us from harms way.

If you would like to help the youth group with supplies for our care packages the following list is what is most requested from our 5 selected soldiers:

Food/Snack Items

Beef Jerky/Sticks (no pork products), hard candy, dried fruits, nuts, twizlers, gummy bears, M&M's, Skittles, Reese's Pieces, trail mix, chewing gum/mints, energy bars, granola bars, breakfast bars, coffee, powdered drink mixes (crystal lite singles, kool-aid, iced tea, etc.), hot chocolate, apple cider mix, tuna in pouches or lunch kits, chips (pringles are best), crackers, store-bought cookies, Warm Delights (microwavable cakes), canned fruit (pull-tab lids), cup of noodles, soup at hand, microwavable meals (non-refrigerated), Easy Mac, microwavable popcorn, coffee and tea.

NO HOMEMADE FOODS ALLOWED!

Personal Hygiene/Clothing

Shaving cream/gel, Mach 3 razors, deodorant bar/spray (men and women), soap bar/gel, shower luffas, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, chapstick/lip balm, eye drops, cough drops, baby wipes (for when showers are unavailable), medicated foot powder, q-tips, feminine hygiene products, shower towels (dark colors only), socks (white ankle mens sizes 9-12), gloves/stocking caps (black or green), Febreeze, air fresheners, mechanics gloves, Oakley M-frame sunglasses (or similar)

Entertainment/Etc.

AT&T Global phone cards, DVD movies (action, comedy, dramas, tv shows), PSP/PS2 games, music cd's, paperback books (fiction/nonfiction), magazines (mens fitness, computer, car, sports, outdoors, USA, Time, Us Weekly, People, etc.), batteries (AA, AAA), puzzle books, small board games, playing cards, dice, jigsaw puzzles, writing paper, black pens, postcards, envelops, colored pencils/markers, Drawing pads for art, American flags, pictures of home.

Best of all - - - LEtters!

Our service members can never get enough letters or cards of support!  If you would like to write a letter or make a card, please do so!  Tell them who you are, about your family, your interests, what you have been doing lately, make a patriotic picture, write a prayer for them.  Anything is fine really, just nothing demeaning or hateful.

donated items can be brought to the McConnell UMC at anytime.  Or mail them to:

McConnell United Methodist Church
Attn: Operation Any Soldier
PO box 97
McConnell, IL 61050