by Nicki Campbell

This is the time of year when we all gather round the fire and enjoy our family and friends.  But for our courageous troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the holidays will be very different. 

Several years ago, an Olentangy Highlands couple, Nancy and Jim Caronis, decided to start a volunteer group whose sold mission was to bring a touch of home to the troops and lift their spirits while they are serving so far away.  The organization sends boxes to Ohio troops based in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the physical conditions are tough and their families are far away.

The boxes contain food items, toiletries, hygiene items, entertainment and notes of appreciation.  All the items are donated or paid for by donations.  The boxes are packed by volunteers at the Operation Buckeye facility in Clintonville at 4284 N. High Street.

Recently my husband and I packed boxes for two hours with a group of people from Keller Williams Capital Partners.  We enjoyed it and plan on doing it again soon.  If you would like to volunteer, the hours are from 1-1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.  Monetary donations can be mailed to Operation Buckeye, P.O. Box 1814, Westerville, OH 43086-1814 or can be dropped off at any Huntington Bank branch office.

For more information and for a list of items to donate, visit www.operationbuckeye.org.