N. Babylon Kids Support U.S. Troops

Thanks to the efforts of a hardworking group of North Babylon students, some United States troops now stationed in Afghanistan will soon be able to enjoy a few comforts of home.

As part of Global Youth Service Day, youngsters who volunteer at the North Babylon Youth Center worked over the past several weeks collecting items that included canned food, Swiffer dusters and movies. The local Dunkin’ Donuts also chipped in providing bags of ground coffee for the troops.

In addition, students wrote letters and collected photos of events happening around Babylon Town.

“The kids were able to collect items from family and friends, but a few worked outside the (North Babylon) Path Mark handing out fliers and collecting items,” said Donna Cannon, the youth center’s program manager.

She noted the kids were excited about the project and Cannon was impressed with the results.

“I’ve been working with many of the kids for five years so while I’m surprised at the amount of items they collected, I’m really not surprised that they were able to do it,” she said.

Collecting items for the troops was a bit more personal for the students and youth center personnel. The boxes of food, movies and other goods will be shipped to the 310^th Military Police Battalion under the command of Copiague resident and Babylon Councilwoman Jackie A. Gordon.

A member of the Army Reserves and holding the rank of Lt. Colonel, Gordon was deployed to Afghanistan in January and will be stationed in the Middle Eastern country for the entire year.

Councilwoman Ellen McVeety, who is serving on the Town Council in Gordon's seat until she returns, was on hand at the youth center to thank the students for their efforts in supporting U.S. troops deployed overseas.