HMS Mfg Co. Supports Troops with Holiday Care Packages

Sometimes it's the little things that count. Truer words could not have been spoken - especially when you see the letters of thanks from our troops in the Middle East who have received care packages filled with simple, everyday products.

During the Christmas of 2007, HMS Mfg. Co. participated in the Santa for Soldiers program created by Bridget Alcocer, the mother of Air Force Sgt. Francisco Alcocer, who is currently stationed overseas. The Santa for Soldiers charity was developed to send a little Christmas cheer to the hard working men & women who could not be at home with their families for the holidays.

We've recently started receiving thank-you letters from the soldiers who received our little care packages and the responses have been heart-warming and uplifting. The appreciation the soldiers have for those little things brought smiles to our faces and we wanted to share them with you.

Click on the images below to view some of the letters & pictures.



The care packages came in the form of stockings filled with difficult-to-find daily necessities such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, candy, phone cards, cards, games, toothbrushes and toothpaste and so on.

The Torch Club at the Boys & Girls Club of Troy (a leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11-13) decided to help Santa for Soldiers and collected toiletries from the local Dollar Tree. HMS Mfg. Co. again, packaged and sent the goods on to Santa for Soldiers. These collaborative efforts between HMS Mfg. Co. and community partners are part of our mission.

Hearts for Heroes

The success of Santa for Soldiers has evolved into the next program called Hearts for Heroes. Hearts for Heroes is designed to have Valentine's Day cards sent to the troops who can't be here to share Valentine's Day with their loved ones.

HMS Mfg. Co. and the Boys & Girls Club of Troy have teamed up to create and ship the Valentine's Day cards. "The children really enjoyed making the Valentines," said Nancy Negohosian, Vice President of HMS Products, "The project allowed [the children] to display their creativity and give back to the community at the same time."

If you would like to get involved please click on the links below and make a phone call. Even one person can help make the little things in life something special.

::Links::
Santa For Soldiers
Boys & Girls Club of Troy
HMS Mfg. Co.

A Torch Club is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special character development needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities in four areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. The Staples National Torch Club Awards are presented annually to Torch Clubs with outstanding program and activities in the four areas. Each year, Torch Club members from all over the country take part in a service-learning experience through the National Torch Club Project.