The Troop is at the center of our work. We recognize
that they need support from a variety of stakeholders.
Accordingly our programs bring those stake holders together with
the Troops, their families and their units through a variety of
ways, each meeting the needs of the Troops and the interests of
a particular section of our community Security-SSOT does not provide contact information for our Troops
or their families so as not to compromise their safety and privacy. Quality-SSOT has established high standards for the quality of
items and packages sent to the Troops. An SSOT coordinates collections
and events with groups and individuals who wish to provide support.
Personal Support
The heart of Summit Supports Our Troops is the personal relationships
developed with members of their military and their families. The
head of the organization, Chris Truhe, regularly communicates with
the troops and their families through telephone, email, informal
coffee and lunch get-togethers and visits to military installations.
In these contacts, Chris, carries messages of respect and gratitude
directly from the people of Summit and all our donors. She also
learns about the lives of particular Troops and the military in
general and brings that information back to the community and to
the organization for planning services.
Community Collections
We welcome you to contact us to conduct a collection within your
group, business, or family. Most of our collections are now initiated
by groups throughout the community who want to offer their gratitude
to the Troops, educate children on citizenship, and provide opportunity
for families, as well as businesses, to do good for others together.
The Community Collection process is:
1. Planning-Your group contacts SSOT to establish a plan based
on the age, number, and interests of the group and the needs
and number of the Troops at a given time and SSOT’s quality
standards for each box. SSOT supplies the shipping boxes, tape,
packing letters,
mini-flags for each shipping box which are picked up by the group
at the SSOT office
2. Collecting-The group conducts their collection. Then meets
with SSOT for us to check each box for quality and to place the
shipping
label on the box.
3. Mailing-The group then meets SSOT volunteer at the post office
where we then arrange for and, generally, finance the costs for
mailing.
Freedom Packs
The Freedom Packs is our grass root program providing the essential
link between the people of the town and the Troops on the battlefield.
The packs offer comfort and encouragement to the Troops in theater.
The packs contain toiletries, snacks, and/or entertainment items.
. Throughout the year we collect and immediately send the following
items to the Troops throughout the world. All items should be
new and normal size.
Clean Packs-Wet wipes, toothpaste & brush, deodorant, shampoo,
hand sanitizer, moisturizer, soap, razors/blades/shaving cream,
foot powder/gel insoles, etc.
Especially for women-liquid bath gel, facial moisturizer, bath scrubbers, hair
brush, hair ties (black or brown), clear/pale lip gloss, nail polish clear/remover/cotton
balls
Snack Packs- Beef jerky, protein bars, Slim Jims, gum, life savers, powdered
drinks, canned fruit/tuna salad snack pack/chicken salad snack packs, trail
mix, nuts, etc, no chocolate, no pork.
Fun Packs - DVD's (new or gently used), Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls,
hand held electric games, cards, stationary, pens, etc.
Take a Troop to the Movies
This program, one of the favorites of the Troops, is held primarily
on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. During this program
volunteers, mainly
middle
and high school age students, as well as, young families with their elementary
school age children, and adults, bring donations and/or prepare the packages.
This program has generated over 2000 such boxes over the 4 years the program
has been offered. Thanks to the Summit Martin Luther King Day of Service Committee
for enabling the people of Summit and surrounding areas to serve our Troops
on this most important day in or nation.
The packages are theater pop-corn boxes filled with: DVDs, microwave popcorn,
powdered drink, and snacks, with a handwritten note and a mini-flag in each
box.
Women in the Military Women (WIMN)
Through research we have found that many female soldiers unwind
through personal care-just like their civilian sisters. In the
rare moments when they are deployed
and can take a break, they appreciate items that are particular to women.
Items for the WIMN’s collection include: liquid body wash, facial moisturizer,
bath puffs, hair brush, hair ties (black or brown), clear/pale lip gloss, lip
balm, nail polish clear/remover/cotton balls, sun screen, small mirrors, brown
towels, and colorful shower curtains.
Who’s a Troop?
This program, which was established at the Lawton C. Johnson Summit
Middle School in 2004, provides education for students and support
for the Troops
and their
families. As part of the Character Counts curriculum, all 6th grade students
and teachers, as well as guidance personnel, principal and vice-principal.
Participate. The objective of the program is to engage students in activities
to build citizenship
and caring through learning about their neighbors who are serving in the military.
Each year the program uses different methodology. We wish to express a special
thank you to Mr. Emile George, Vice-Prinicipal and veteran for his enthusiastic
leadership of the school and this program.
The learning activities have included: learning about the lives and careers
of troops by talking with their family members and the troops themselves, preparing
packages to send to based on what they learned; viewing a DVD of local Troops
with their families and on their jobs; making a craft project to express their
good wishes and gratitude; writing letters, collecting small stuffed animals
and school supplies for Iraqi and Afghani children.
Military Family Support
We contact the spouses, parents and other family members on a regular
basis to offer support and determine their needs. It has been estimated
that for
every
person serving in the military, 8 family members are impacted directly by their
service
As a result of the relationship SSOT has created with the families we hold
a variety of events including: an annual family breakfast, quarterly family
coffees,
monthly women’s dinners, and regular informal coffee and lunch get-togethers
on an individual basis.
Military to Civilian Mentors
Mentors who are men and women have the highest levels of respect
for our Troops and particular skills and success in various
occupations, have volunteered
to assist any Troop who express an interest in some informal guidance as
they make
their career transition from military to civilian life.
Million Mile Program
Airplane mileage is solicited from the community to provide Troops
of Summit tickets when available. Please note that a long lead
time is generally needed to secure tickets dates.
