A UNM organization is hoping bite-sized treats will make a big impression on U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The UNM Staff Council collected 567 pounds of Halloween candy as part of its civil project, Operation Gratitude. The candy was donated by University members over three weeks.
Elise Wheeler, Veteran Student Services director, said the donation boosts troops’ morale.
“I thought it was absolutely wonderful,” she said. “You don’t have any idea how great it is to get a package in the middle of nowhere.”
Ten boxes of candy were sent to military bases in California last week. They arrived at their destination Tuesday and will be shipped to troops in holiday care packages. The packages should be in soldiers’ hands by Thanksgiving, according to a statement released by the UNM Staff Council.
Wheeler said the holidays are stressful for active military members because they are in dangerous environments, away from their homes and families. Besides those on active duty, she said it is important to remember the thousands of veterans who face isolation and poverty during the holidays.
“Some people may think it’s a small donation, but to have something sent from home, that is fantastic,” Wheeler said.
And for less fortunate veterans and homeless here in Albuquerque, five homeless shelters will provide Thanksgiving Day meals.
Glendora Hill, a spokeswoman for the Albuquerque Rescue Mission, said her organization serves veterans who are homeless or don’t have a place to eat. Like other places serving meals, she said her organization needs cash and food donations, including nonperishable canned and boxed food.
“Whatever you can put on your plate is basically what we need,” Hill said.
Wheeler said most projects aimed at assisting veterans will begin in December.
UNM Staff Council President Merle Kennedy said UNM staff and community members stepped up to the plate to provide for less fortunate veterans.
“We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to UNM staff for promoting, collecting and delivering the candy to the Staff Council office,” Kennedy said. “Your generosity and community spirit is truly heartwarming.”
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The Division of Student Affairs donated funds to the Staff Council to defray candy shipping costs.
Speaking from experience, Wheeler said care packages break up soldiers’ holiday loneliness.
“It was really nice when you are living in a tent and there are miles and miles of beach and no water,” she said about her own active duty. “But I was never in Afghanistan or Iraq. To be in a combat zone where the enemy is right across the line must be terrifying.”
