Local Families Give Back to the Troops

Some buy their significant others jewelry for Valentine’s Day. Others buy chocolates. But how about a care package to the troops?

If you haven’t made that special purchase yet, consider donating to a local United Service Organizations (USO) team. Whether you donate in honor of a loved one or just want to make a marine’s day extra special, you’ll be supporting our country’s troops.

The Lisa Family began a Team USO page and has set out to raise $10,000 for the troops.

“The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families,” their page says. “They provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet troop needs.”

Frank Lisa of Forked River enlisted in the U.S. Army in May 2011 and left for basic training at Ft. Jackson in North Carolina on Jan. 17. Though he has yet to be deployed, he is expected to be, Alexis Lisa said.

“This is mostly what led me to start the fundraiser,” Alexis Lisa said. “I don't work a 9-5 job. Being a Military/Army wife and mom now, it is my job to do everything I can to support my husband being that his job now is to do everything he can to fight for our country.”

Alexis Lisa is the mother of two, Isabella, 1, and Frank Jr., 9 months. Teaching her children the importance of giving is also what drove her to start her Team USO.

Being a mother of two infants makes it nearly impossible to volunteer a six hour shift at Liberty USO in Philadelphia to make beds, serve food or put together care packages, she said.

“Luckily USO has virtual volunteering, meant for people in similar situations who can't get to a center,” Alexis Lisa said. “Team USO is an online fundraiser, anyone can create their own team.”

The Lisa family created their account in October 2011 along with the Leonard and Scalzo families, also residents of Lacey. So far, the team has raised $145.

Funds raised are used for several programs including families of the fallen support, Mobile Entertainment Gaming System (MEGS), Mobile USO, USO2GO, Operation USO Care Package, USO Operation Phone Home, USO Holiday Boxes, Sesame Street Workshops, United Through Reading, USO Wishbook and Operation Speakeasy.

The organization also provides basic necessities such as food, drinks, books, movies and clean bed sheets at USO centers around the world, Alexis Lisa said.

“The only way any of this is possible is by donations and volunteers,” she said. “That's why it’s so important for people to be aware of how to help. All these services and programs provide a touch of home and comfort and support for deployed Troops as well as Military families stationed overseas.”

Alexis Lisa is a volunteer for Liberty USO and Join Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. She is responsible for the United Through Reading Program and collecting In-Kind donations.

A collection point for United Through Reading Military Program is located at Blue Moon Books at 603 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor.

This program helps keep families “connected,” Alexis Lisa said. Deployed service men and women read a children’s book aloud while being recorded on a DVD. The DVD and the book are sent home to their children at no cost to the troops or families.

Books can be dropped off at Blue Moon. The books must be new and the drive is ongoing through August 2012.

In-Kind donations such as cases of water bottles, juice boxes and pre-packaged snacks are also being collected. To donate, e-mail Alexis.lisa87@yahoo.com.

As of Feb. 7, 283 children’s books were collected for the United Through Reading Program. There was also a recent donation of seven cases of water bottles.

Whereas the books for the reading program and In-Kind donations stay local, going straight to Liberty USO and Joint Basie McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the Lisa Family’s Team USO is a worldwide fundraiser.

To make a donation, visit the Lisa Family’s Team USO page.

For more Valentine's Day donation ideas, visit the USO's Wishbook.