Military Outreach

In March of 2002 Flowers and More, a local flower shop, had a display of 8 x 10 pictures of our local men and women who were serving in the military. That display raised our awareness that there were many from the Cherokee County area serving overseas. To encourage the soldiers an outreach was begun to support our troops. The first care boxes were sent in March 2002 and have continued to be sent at least every two months. Recent care boxes were sent to 18 soldiers at a cost of $176.40. (it costs $9.80 per box for the postage). With the support of other churches, our schools, organizations, businesses, the Columbus Community Foundation and individuals, the outreach has continued.

The Columbus Daily Advocate and the High School Journalism class donate a paper to be included in each box. The Columbus Telephone company often has provided many useful items for the boxes. Many in the community save their travel size shampoo, lotion and soaps. We put them in zip lock bags and then in cottage cheese containers to ship. The troops also like receiving Girl Scout Cookies and homemade cookies. Many churches have assisted in baking cookies. The soldiers also appreciate the letters and homemade cards they receive from school children.

Our main expense in continuing this outreach is the postage and purchasing items to include in the boxes. If you are aware of others who are serving that are not on the outreach list, their names and address can be added by calling the First United Methodist Church at 620-429-2791. If anyone has questions concerning this project they can contact Sharon Draeger 620-429-2750 or Carolyn Eddington 620-429-3851.

Picture of Seventh Grade Students providing Outreach Boxes

Pictured in the photo above are seventh grade students from Central Jr. High School in Columbus, Ks. They provided all the items for twenty care boxes that were sent to our troops overseas in April 2008. The Columbus Community Foundation grants have provided funding for the postage.