GLASTONBURY VFW PLANS JULY PACKING EVENT, AUGUST PICNIC

Glastonbury VFW Post 7659 and its Women’s Auxiliary are sponsoring a “Support our Troops” collection and packing event on Sunday, July 14, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford.

The theme for the event is summer fun and the VFW is looking for donations of items such as beach balls, balls for summer sports (soccer, baseball, etc.), towels, flip flops, sunscreen (non-aerosol), bug repellent, baby wipes, and snacks (beef jerky, nuts, crackers, etc. No glass jars.). Summer-themed drawings and cards are especially welcomed.

Items will be accepted on July 14 from noon until 1 p.m. only or by special arrangement with Commander Frank Forrest of the VFW. Volunteers are needed to sort the donations and pack the boxes. Art supplies will also be available that day so that volunteers can include notes of support – this is a perfect intergenerational volunteering opportunity!

The group also welcomes monetary donations to help defray postage costs, which run in the hundreds of dollars each month. Checks should be made out to Glastonbury VFW and mailed to: Glastonbury VFW, c/o Frank Forrest, 165 Maple Street, East Hartford, CT 06118.

Glastonbury VFW Post 7659 and its Women’s Auxiliary will hold a veterans and volunteers appreciation picnic on August 18, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elks Picnic Area, 98 Woodland Street, Glastonbury. The grill opens at 12:30 p.m. and the event takes place rain or shine.

All veterans and their families, and all volunteers who have helped with the collection and packing events during the past nine years are welcome to attend.

“Volunteers have helped ship more than 300,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, a million-and-a half ‘Peeps,’ 13 tons of homemade cookies, thousands of personal care items, and enough pictures and drawings to cover every refrigerator in central Connecticut,” said Forrest. “They have provided innumerable smiles to our brave troops who have served – and continue to serve – overseas.”

There is no cost to attend the picnic. The VFW will provide hamburgers and hot dogs along with soft drinks. Attendees are invited to bring a favorite salad, dessert, snack or appetizer to share. No alcohol will be allowed. They are looking for volunteers to organize children’s games and activities. 

For more information about either event, including how to donate merchandise or to volunteer, call Frank Forrest at 860-690-2845, or e-mail glastonburyvfw@aol.com. Connect with Glastonbury VFW on Facebook for the latest updates.