Clubs team up for 'Care Packages for Soldiers'

By Brittnee Lanea Flood, March 2010
Community Editor

The week of March 1st to 5th, the Veteran Student’s Association and Phi Theta Kappa are teaming up to have a “Care Packages for Soldiers” drive in the KSC Hallway at PVCC.

A table with a bright yellow tablecloth right outside the student bookstore in the KSC hallway is in place to donate. Fliers on the table list items suggested for donation , including Clorox wipes for cleaning, Kool-Aid or other powered beverages for water bottles, Easy Mac & Cheese, chips, pretzels or any non-pork food items sealed in manufacturer’s original packaging. Personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, socks (black/white) and underwear are accepted as well

Vanessa Arnold, former front desk attendant at the PVCC Fitness Center and a member of the U.S. Army reserves, was deployed last fall to Iraq. This is Arnold’s second time being deployed to Iraq, and she will receive and distribute the PVCC items donated to the fellow soldiers in her unit. Arnold was taking classes at PVCC to get into a physician’s assistant program

When Arnold was deployed, Donna Roach, PVCC’s fitness and wellness manager, sent packages to Arnold’s unit. The Veteran Student’s Association wanted to continue supporting this unit to let them know they have not been forgotten. Phi Theta Kappa has gotten on board as well , making the drive a collaborative effort between the two organizations..

Michele Marion, Adviser for the Veteran Student’s Association, said “We are hoping to have as successful a drive for Vanessa Arnold’s unit as the one in the fall 2009 semester.” The fall care package drive collected 31 boxes of goodies for Arnold’s unit. The drive will be going on all week, so look for the yellow tablecloth and lend your support.