Cradle of Aviation Collecting Holiday Care Packages For Troops

GARDEN CITY, NY — The Cradle of Aviation Museum and the U.S. Air Force’s Freeport office are partnering this holiday season to recognize and show gratitude and support for the sacrifice of local service members with military care packages.

Between Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Dec. 13, the museum will be collecting hand-written cards and donations from local families and museum visitors of much needed items for active troops that will be packaged and shipped out in time for the holidays.

“The Cradle is thrilled to be collaborating with the US Air Force in Freeport to celebrate Veterans Day beyond just one day," said Catherine Gonzalez, the museum's Director of Education. "It’s important that while we all share memories with our loved ones – near, far, and maybe on Zoom this year – we also reflect, honor, and serve (as best we can) those who protect our families everyday overseas. We’re happy to share this opportunity with our community by collecting items our armed forces need during this holiday season.”

Items to be collected include:

• Baby Wipes
• Candy
• Coffee
• Beef Jerky
• Sunflower Seeds
• Gum
• Cookies
• Foot Powder
• Baby Powder
• Protein Bars
• Uno Cards
• Playing Cards
• Board Games

Sent to active military personnel, these care packages bring small comforts to service members abroad, while a personal note or a child’s artwork give a care package a personal, thoughtful touch.

“These care packages mean the world to us when we are deployed. It is like opening a Christmas present whenever you get one and it really just makes your day," said Sgt. Tyler Monson of the Air Force. "When I was in Afghanistan in 2016, I missed Christmas with my family, but got care packages from other organizations and it made being away that much easier. What the Cradle of Aviation is doing is just amazing, and will help our troops so much.”