The Village of Orland Park Veterans’ Commission will collect items for current military on Saturday, July 22. The care package collection will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orland Park Veterans Center, 15045 West Avenue.

“We’re happy to be able to collect for the men and women serving our country,” said Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, an Air Force veteran. “I can tell you from personal experience, that it means a lot to receive care packages when you are deployed.  It reminds you of what you are fighting for and that good people back home are thinking about you and appreciate your service.”

The village commission is partnering with Orland Park Cub Scout Pack 372, Veterans’ Voices and Kruse’s Krew to facilitate the collection, packaging and delivery. Once assembled, the packages will be shipped to active duty troops currently serving overseas.

The community is asked to drop off items that will be assembled and shipped to military personnel by Kruse’s Krew, a volunteer organization dedicated to sending items to deployed service personnel.

The organization was created by Vietnam War Veteran Jim Kruse. Kruse served in the U.S. Army where he was as a teletype and cryptology equipment specialist.  Kruse formed the organization to combat the feeling of loneliness and/or depression often felt by soldiers while serving.

“Collections for active duty personnel are a great way for everyone to show their support for those serving overseas far from home,” said Trustee Jim Dodge, a veteran of the US Army National Guard. “It’s nice for them to get the extra things that may not be available.”

Items needed include non-perishable food items such as canned fruit, ramen noodles, instant oatmeal, mac and cheese, coffee creamer, dried fruit and microwavable instant dinners.

Everyday items such as Advil and Tylenol, body wash and soap, deodorant, fabric softener sheets, anti-bacterial wipes, batteries, vitamin and travel size mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner are requested as well. A complete list of items is available at the village hall and on the village’s website.

“We ask that everyone pick up a few items to donate the next time they’re at the store,” said Veterans Commission Program Assistant Tom Dubelbeis. “The Orland Park community has always been very generous with supporting our current military and our veterans. We’re hoping for a great collection.”

Drive up drop-off will be available at the village’s veterans center, 15045 West Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. West Avenue is four blocks west of LaGrange Road/US Route 45.

Questions may be directed to Dubelbeis at 708/403-6115.