MANVILLE – Volunteers are invited to join Operation Shoebox New Jersey on Saturday, Nov. 8^th to assemble holiday care packages in time for Christmas delivery to US troops around the world.

The Tenth Annual Operation Shoebox New Jersey Christmas & Holiday packing will be at the Kavanaugh VFW Post #2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville.

Due to a scheduling conflict, the “twilight” packing has been moved to the evening hours, with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies are slated for 7 p.m., followed by the packing.

The VFW will serve hot dogs and beverages during the packing.

Soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who received packages from OPSHBX NJ during their deployments are expected to attend and extend their thanks to the volunteers.

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

The packages sent overseas will include a box of Girl Scout cookies donated by troops in the Heart of New Jersey Council; bagged candy collected from 15 Walgreen stores donated by shoppers, Halloween candy purchased by dentists’ offices throughout New Jersey from trick or treaters; 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 personalize a short letter or Christmas card to the troops; all cards and letters will be inserted into the boxes. Volunteers are requested wish to donate $25 to sponsor a Christmas package which will include a Christmas card personalized by the donor.

The 2015 Operation Shoebox New Jersey calendar featuring photographs of US troops overseas will also be available for purchase as well as other retail items, including t-shirts, hats, pins and more.

Since its founding in February, 2005, OPSHBX NJ volunteers have shipped over 85,000 personal care packages overseas.

Financial support is also needed to help pay the costs of shipping the packages. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are asked to sign up in advance on the OPSHBX NJ website.

Call Operation Shoebox New Jersey headquarters at (908) 698-0333 for further information or check the website at www.opshoeboxnj.org.