Packing at TD Bank Ballpark

Fans and volunteers of all ages are invited to TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, on June 23 to help pack care packages that will be shipped to U.S troops serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a brief orientation. Volunteers will then fill care packages with different toiletries, necessities and food items from bins spread along the main concourse.

All volunteers will be asked to write cards and letters to the troops to include in each package.

A huge banner of well wishes signed by fans, manager Sparky Lyle and the entire team during Flag Day ceremonies at the ballpark June 14 will be included in one of the packages. Soldiers overseas will take photographs with the banner and sign the reverse side before it is returned to the Patriots during ceremonies on the field sometime later this season. 

The Patriots, five-time champions of the Atlantic League, have hosted several packings at the ballpark since 2005, when Operation Shoebox New Jersey first began to ship personal care packages to deployed U.S. troops. The volunteer organization has sent more than 56,000 packages to U.S. troops.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to sign up for the “Victory Campaign” sponsored by Operation Shoebox New Jersey and the Somerset Patriots. The program helps to ensure the supply line of care packages to US troops overseas continues uninterrupted.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey will also ask everyone to color and sign hero cards that will be sent overseas inside the care packages; Operation Shoebox New Jersey merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Throughout the day, the scoreboard display screen in right field will display photos of US troops overseas sent to Operation Shoebox New Jersey along with excerpts from their letters.

Several members of the US military will also be on hand to be honored during the event.

"We are proud of our partnership with the Somerset Patriots, an organization that exemplifies the compassion and patriotism that serve as the foundation of Operation Shoebox New Jersey," said Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director.  "Spending a day at the ballpark is a true American tradition, symbolized by the huge American flag in centerfield, a stirring reminder of the pride and dedication of US military personnel serving overseas."   

Further information is available by calling OPSHBX NJ headquarters at 908-698-0333 or visiting the website at www.opshoeboxnj.org.