It was Christmas in July for several hundred U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq when they opened special care packages from Boy Scout Troop 389, sponsored by Atlantic Christian School. The care packages were filled with Boy Scout caramel popcorn and other comfort food and toiletry items obtained by the scouts over a four-month period through donations from area businesses, civic organizations, and churches.
The Troop recently received several thank-you messages via email from soldiers who received one of their 221 care packages. One soldier serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq, who also sent a photo of his unit, said: “It is hard to be away from home and whenever we hear our names called for mail it definitely brings a smile to our faces. Even better still was opening up your box and finding all the treats and toiletries you sent. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and all my buddies who I will share this care package with.” This was the 7th year that Troop 389 had carried out its Christmas for the Troops service project, overall sending over 1,200 gift boxes overseas.
ACS sponsors both Boy Scout Troop 389, for boys from 6th grade to 18 years old, and Cub Pack 389, for boys from 1st-5th grades. The Troop and Pack meet at ACS on Monday nights at 7 p.m. in Annex Unit 1. For more information on joining the Scout Troop or Cub Pack, contact Scoutmaster Peter Karabashian at ppknj@comcast.net. Representatives of the Troop and Pack will also be at our Back-to-School Nights.