MANVILLE – Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey staff pack gift boxes and send Christmas greetings to U.S. troops deployed around the world at its 11th annual Christmas packing and Santa’s Workshop on Saturday Nov. 14.

The packing and workshop will be at the Kavanaugh VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville, with registration at 11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies. Packing begins at 11:30 a.m. A light lunch will be provided.

Soldiers and Marines who were recipients of OPSHBX NJ gift packages are expected to attend and extend their thanks to the volunteers.

OPSHBX NJ will provide crafts material for volunteers to make ornaments that will be packed inside each gift box.

Volunteer packers are encouraged to donate personal care items for shipment, including snacks and toiletries. Check the shopping list on our website and bring along a bag of needed items.

The packages sent overseas will include a box of Girl Scout cookies donated by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council; bagged Halloween candy donated by area dentist offices and schools; cans of tuna, cans of fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, gum, candy, granola bars, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, oatmeal, hot chocolate, toothpaste, tooth brushes, ear swabs, moist wipes, sun block, eye drops, soap, shampoo, socks, stationary, envelopes, pens, batteries and other items.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sit down and write a short letter or Christmas card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. We’ll also add stuffed animals and other gift items for the troops to hand out to young Iraqi and Afghan children.

Since its founding in February, 2005, OPSHBX NJ volunteers have shipped over 96,000 personal care packages overseas.

Financial support is also needed to help pay the costs of shipping the packages. All donations are tax deductible. Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information.