We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the residents of Jackson who have so generously contributed to operation "Our Town." The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan greatly appreciate your generosity. To date over 300 packages have been sent to individual servicemen and servicewomen.

Now that the holidays are quickly approaching and there are still so many men and women overseas, we would like to bring them a "taste from home."

We want to let them know they are still included in our holiday festivities even though they are not here physically, but they are in our hearts.

Please, as you do your holiday gift/food planning, remember our troops. No matter what you give, it will be welcome because it comes from home.

There are drop boxes in the Melvin Cottrell Center for Senior Citizens and the Disabled (45 Don Connor Blvd.), Jackson town hall (95 W. Veterans Highway) and the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority building (35 S. Hope Chapel Road).

For money donations, please visit the Mug Rack (2275 W. County Line Road, Jackson), where a jug is on the counter awaiting your gift. If you want to make a $12 donation to mail a box, please address your check to the Postmaster-Jackson.

Again, we want to thank all who have donated thus far. Your donations have brought home just a little bit closer to those who defend us and enable us to enjoy our everyday lives in peace and freedom.

God bless all our troops and God bless America.

Carol Blake Denise Allmann

Jackson