Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: Nov. 21, 2006

Albany County voters show support for Wyoming’s troops

            Albany County voters donated approximately 500 pounds of non-perishable food items, stationery, healthcare articles, gifts and other items for troops from Albany County and Wyoming serving in the Middle East. They also signed thank-you cards to the troops.

            The items, which filled 25 cardboard boxes, will arrive in the Middle East prior to the holiday season. The goods were collected at Albany County polling places during the Nov. 7 general election.

            “It’s been a great community project, a way for local residents to show support for the troops serving our country,” said one of the organizers, Laramie 4-H volunteer Carl Majewski, the supply technician for the University of Wyoming Army ROTC.

            “Local 4-Hers got involved in the effort. That tells me they care about others,” Majewski added.

            Helping with the project were the Albany County 4-H Junior Leaders, Albany County UW Cooperative Extension Service, UW Army ROTC, Albany County Cow-Belles, Albany County Stockgrowers and Crow Creek Meat Processing in Cheyenne.

            Majewski said one donor from Laramie purchased $100 in goods, and a local couple turned the project into a family affair.

            “I heard that before this family starts doing their own Christmas shopping, they perform work for a charity. This year, they chose the Yellow Ribbon project to support our troops, and they made a donation to this project,” Majewski said. “They are teaching their kids about what is going on around them in the world and to care not just about themselves but others.”

            Molly Keil, a 4-H youth educator for the Albany County CES, said, “One very generous family put together holiday bags for 10 soldiers. They included disposable cameras, stationery, hand wipes, shoe inserts, lip balm and other items. They also included a letter in each bag thanking the troops for their service to the country.” 4-H is the youth arm of CES, and the state offices are in the UW College of Agriculture.

            Keil says persons still wishing to donate items can contact the Albany County CES office at (307) 721-2571.

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