Monroe Boy Scouts and Brownies pack 700 toiletry kits for troops stationed in Afghanistan

Monroe - Boy Scout Troop 440 and Brownie Girl Scout Troop 388 worked with Monroe American Legion Post 488 this past Saturday to complete a large project as part of its “Support our Troops” program. The scouts and brownies assembled and packed up 700 toiletry kits containing tooth brushes, tooth paste, razors, shaving gels, soap and hand sanitizers in plastic bags. These individual packages will allow soldiers who will be away from their main posts to quickly pick up a ready- made kit to fulfill their needs. Martin Currid, Post 488 first vice commander, enlisted the Scout groups and then coordinated their efforts in completing the project. Post 488 officials discussed this project with Walter Kittle, a member of the Greenwood Lake American Legion Post 1143, who served four tours in Afghanistan and thought it was a great idea. According to Kittle, the individual kits will keep soldiers from having to look through six different boxes and then find a container to carry the items on patrol or during a temporary stay at a Forward Operations Base. Bob Martell, Post 488 second vice commander, said Kittle told him that the “Support our Troops” packages sent to him and his group were frequently the only things they had to remind them of home. The Sons of the American Legion Post 488 provided the funds for the toiletries and postage to mail them overseas. How you can help Monroe American Legion Post 488’s “Support our Troops” program is seeking donations of individually packaged baby wipes to send to troops. To donate items for the “Support our Troops” project, call 783-3965.