The CAN DO Student Action Committee recently concluded its 22nd Annual Operation: CAN DO drive with the delivery of care packages to the Freeland American Legion Post 473 for distribution to more than 200 local service members stationed away from home during the holiday season.
Launched in early October, Operation: CAN DO is a partnership between the Freeland American Legion Post 473 and CAN DO’s Student Action Committee. Each year, local schools, businesses, and community members donate personal care items, snacks, and entertainment products for care packages for service members from the Greater Hazleton Area who are away from home during the holiday season.
This year’s drive was led by co-chairs Amanda Stoffa, a senior from MMI Preparatory, and Alvin Miller, a junior from Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. Student Action Committee members encouraged donations and worked with local organizations throughout the drive. The care packages include a postcard designed by Stoffa, carrying a personal message from the community to service members.
“Many of our service member are overseas, and some who are serving stateside are unable to return home for the holidays. When they receive a package from home, they appreciate it. I know when I was in the service and receive a package, everyone gathered around to see what I received,” said Freeland American Legion Post 473 Commander Gerry Gaffney.
Freeland American Legion Post 473 presented the Student Action Committee with a special award recognizing 22 years of Operation: CAN DO. For more than two decades, committee members have helped collect, prepare, and send care packages, offering service members a reminder that those at home are thinking of them during the holiday season.
“I can’t say enough about the CAN DO Student Action Committee. They’ve been here for us every year. We thank them for their continued support and dedication to our service members,” Gaffney said.
Support for this year’s drive generated nearly 2,300 pounds of donated goods from a wide range of local businesses, including AutoZone Distribution Center, Cargill Meat Solutions, EAM-Mosca Corporation, Fairway Chevrolet, Greater Hazleton Partners in Education, IMR Digital, Insteel Wire Products, Leader Services, Little Lights Daycare, Little Leaf Farms, Nestle Health Science, Nucor Tower & Structures, PFNonwovens, Polyglass, PSI Container Inc., Service Electric, the Office of U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, and the Office of Pennsylvania State Representative Dane Watro.
The Student Action Committee also extended special thanks to the many local schools that supported the effort, including Charis Academy, Freeland Elementary/Middle School, Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences, Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy, Hazleton Area Career Center, Hazleton Area High School, Marian Catholic High School, MMI Preparatory School, Valley Elementary/Middle School, and Weatherly Area High School.
Looking ahead, the CAN DO Student Action Committee will continue its community engagement efforts through three upcoming holiday events in Downtown Hazleton: the 33rd Annual CAN DO Community Christmas on Wednesday, December 2nd at 6:00 PM; the 6th Annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting; as well as DHAP’s Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton’s Holiday Night Market on Friday, December 4th at 4:30 PM. Additional details about upcoming holiday events can be found at HazletonForTheHolidays.com.
Names and addresses of service members with ties to Greater Hazleton may still be submitted. To provide their information, please email CAN DO’s Program Coordinator and Student Action Committee Advisor, Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com or call (570) 455-1508 ext. 2000.
For additional information regarding CAN DO’s annual holiday events, contact CAN DO’s Marketing Communications Specialist, Miguel Polanco at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN DO
CAN DO, Inc. is Greater Hazleton’s certified economic development organization, working to improve the quality of life in the Greater Hazleton Area through the creation and retention of employment opportunities. Since 1956, CAN DO has advanced economic growth through real estate development and the management of four business and industrial parks while providing business financing, entrepreneurial support, workforce development initiatives, and other resources that promote economic activity throughout the region.
For more information, visit hazletoncando.com.
