In July, 2006, Renee had a great idea to collect books to send to soldiers serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chris and I joined her and we sent a few boxes to soldiers via the anysoldier.com website. It is now two years later, and through our program “For Our Soldiers” we have sent over 1,200 care packages containing food, books, toiletries, dvd’s, and anything else we could fit in a box, at a cost of over $8,000 in postage.

Our friends, co-workers, families and our most generous community, Plainview-Old Bethpage, have reached deeply into their hearts and pockets. Stop by the “For Our Soldiers” table outside of Community Services and read some of the wonderful letters and emails from the recipients of our packages. We have been overwhelmed by the gratitude and humility of these brave men and women. Read their words and you will leave the Library with a smile on your face and a greater appreciation for the sacrifice of our soldiers.