The CAN DO Student Action Committee concluded its 18th Annual Operation: CAN DO drive with the delivery of dozens of donated items to the Freeland American Legion Post 473.

Operation: CAN DO, which kicked off in early October, is a joint effort between the Freeland American Legion Post 473 and CAN DO’s Student Action Committee to create care packages that will then be sent to brave military service members, with ties to Greater Hazleton, who will be serving away from home during the holidays. This year’s drive was led by committee members and special event co-chairs Lachlan Segedy, Marian High School Junior, Rebecca Boyle, Marian High School Senior, and John Schwear III, MMI Senior.

CAN DO Community Relations Committee chair and Student Action Committee co-advisor Cal Herring said, “As with the many years prior, the 2022 Operation: CAN DO drive was a great success! The cooperative effort between our Student Action Committee, CAN DO staff, the Freeland American Legion, as well as our area schools and industries ensures that those serving our country receive much needed personal items during a time that is considered joyous by so many. The generosity of our region is again shown by the amount of items collected this year and for that we are immensely appreciative.”

Student Action Committee members expressed special thanks to the following schools and businesses for their support of the drive: Freeland American Legion Riders Post 473, Lehigh Tire, PSI Group, The Bountiful Company, Service Electric, Leader Data Processing, Johns Manville, Bradley Caldwell, EAM Mosca, Avenues of Hazleton, Christ Lutheran Church Conyngham, Private Donations, Freeland Elementary/Middle School’s Builders Club, Hazleton Area Academy of Science, Hazleton Area High School Administration, Hazle Township Early Learning Center, Hazleton Elementary Middle School, Heights Terrace Elementary Middle school, Holy Family Academy, Immanuel Christian School, Marian Catholic High School, MMI Preparatory School, and McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary Middle School’s Community Service Club.

The CAN DO Student Action Committee will host two additional upcoming events in Downtown Hazleton: the 2nd Annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting on Friday December 2nd at 4:30p.m. and the 29th Annual CAN DO Community Christmas on Wednesday, December 7th at Christ Lutheran Church.

There is still time to submit names and contact information of service members with ties to Greater Hazleton. If interested, please email Amy Michelli at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail the information to Operation: CAN DO, 1 South Church Street, Suite 200, Hazleton, PA 18201.

For additional information regarding CAN DO’s annual holiday events, contact Community Relations Specialist, Amy Michelli at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..