RFH Students Rally for Troops Overseas

The Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Character Education Club is once again rallying the troops for the sake of the troops overseas.

The school's Annual Care Package Drive is now underway, and the student volunteers hope to set a new record in collecting donated items.

"Care packages help so much to keep that connection with our friends, family, and communities back home and remind us of how selfless our neighbors are," U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Brendan Piccolo of the U.S. Navy wrote in a note of thanks last year.

As in years past, the generosity of the community will play a large role in the success of  the Care Package Drive. The stakes are high, as 52 large boxes were filled and shipped last year.

Some of the most requested donations are: non perishable snacks like beef jerky and nuts, five-hour energy drinks, instant coffee, gum, candy, playing cards, magazines, white cotton socks, personal hygiene products, CDs, DVDs and books.

Also needed is deflated sports equipment — soccer balls, footballs, frisbees, and similar items.

Donations will be collected at the high school's guidance office during the month of October. The items should be addressed to Jason Lippart or Jamie Juliano.

The RFH Character Education Club will once again be working with the youth organization of the Long Branch Housing Authority to sort and pack the items.  

This year the student and youth volunteers will also be partnering with the Oceanport Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. who have generously offered to handle shipping of the items.