Orland Park Boy Scout Troop 383 Collects for Manteno Veterans' Home

Orland Park Boy Scout Troop 383 has long been associated with area veterans. The troop is chartered by the Village of Orland Park Veterans Commission and troop members have volunteered at veteran related events since they were Cub Scouts.

“One of our guys who’s going for Eagle wanted to do something to help veterans who may not have the things that other vets have,” said Scoutmaster Gerry Klotz. “He met with the people at Manteno and decided to make collecting for them his Eagle Project.”

Troop 383 scouts will accept donations on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Village of Orland Park Veterans Center, 15045 West Avenue.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to donate,” said Senior Patrol Leader Colin Motzny. “Our guys will come to the cars to get what people bring in."

According to staff at Manteno, snack items are needed most. The snack wish list notes that no homemade items can be accepted.

“Everything has to be store bought and individually wrapped,” said Assistant Patrol Leader Mitchell Kramer. “That makes it easier for staff to share the stuff with the residents. They want lots of Little Debbie snacks."

Veterans at Manteno enjoy candy bars with no nuts, individual packages of chips, pretzels and snacks, soft granola and cereal bars, regular and decaffeinated coffee, sugar free chocolate bars, cases of pop both diet and regular.
They also enjoy any type of sugar free candy or cookies all with no nuts, gallon size containers of Hawaiian Punch, packaged cheese and crackers and packaged crackers and peanut butter.

Those donating will be able to drive through the village’s Vets Center parking lot and scouts and other volunteers will collect the items from the cars.

“We’re hoping that people add what we need for Manteno to their store lists and drive through and give us the donations,” said Troop 383 Eagle Scout Tim Klotz. “This worked well when we collected Christmas toys for the kids affected by the tornado in Washington, Illinois. We collected six van loads of toys and school supplies after the tornado. We’re hoping to fill a whole trailer for the vets at Manteno."

Troop members will transport the donated items to the veterans home on Sunday, May 15. Questions may be directed to orlandtroop383@gmail.com.