The volunteers at the Kunkletown Thrift Store are collecting a whole slew of items for Operation Touch of Home, now through the end of October. The store is located in the Eldred Township Community Center.

Operation Touch of Home is a nonprofit organization that operates out of the West End Memorial American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert. The volunteers create care packages for military personnel overseas.

Each package is 14 inches-by-14 inches and contains some hygiene products, snack foods, things the troops can share, and games, puzzles or notebooks, as well as air fresheners for their rooms.

Tammy Gower, president of Operation Touch of Home, said they also put in silly gifts such as hula skirts and coconut bras or holiday items like little Christmas trees with lights and decorations on them and Christmas stockings.

“It’s just stuff they can’t get overseas,” she said.

Her group packs 168 boxes full of items, and gets the names and addresses of the military personnel from their families.

“We get thank you pictures and challenge coins,” Gower said. “They’re very much appreciative of it, too.”

Gower explained that Challenge Coins are given to express appreciation. Military personnel receive during special events or as a reward for their hard work and dedication.

Gower said she started volunteering for this group after her son received an Operation Touch of Home care package.

“We was so appreciative of everything they got,” she said.

After the founders of the group moved away, Gower found herself taking the lead. Now she is gets to help make sure that the service personnel continue to get an unexpected gift to brighten their days.

Donna Deihl, the manager of the Kunkletown Thrift Store, said her customers have donated enough to fill at least seven totes, and she would love to fill a total of 12 or 15 totes by the end of the month.

“Our customers have been very generous,” Deihl said.

One couple came into the store with $300 worth of items for Operation Touch of Home, she said.

“I was overwhelmed by the awesome turnout they have,” Gower said.

For anyone interested in supporting Operation Touch of Home, a list of the items that are needed is available by going to the American Legion’s website, click on Operation Touch of Home, and clicking on the link at the bottom of their home page. Only new items please.

To register a member of the service to receive a care package, go to https://www.ampost927.org/operation-touch-of-home-p2.

Operation Touch of Home also will be collecting items for care packages from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 with Christmas at the Kindreds, 137 Pleasant Lane, Brodheadsville. Visitors can either drive by and drop off items or stop in for cookies and hot chocolate.

Items also can be dropped off at the American Legion, 626 Fairground Road, Gilbert. For questions, call 570-213-1481.