By Staff
SUPPORTING TROOPS Ashley Overstreet, left, and her mother, Katie, have formed Operation Uplift with friend Lisa Fisher. Katie, the daughter of a World War II veteran and sister of a Vietnam veteran, wanted to help troops in Iraq. The group will collect items for troops on April 26 at Horticulture Services Inc., 2311 Highway 19 N. Photo by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 17, 2003
Collinsville homemaker Katie Overstreet has no direct military connections to troops fighting in the war with Iraq, but as an American, a wife and mother, she still wants to help.
So Overstreet organized a project she calls "Operation Uplift" to send needed items to American troops fighting overseas.
Her efforts are similar to another war effort sponsored by the local chapter of the American Red Cross in which volunteers met last weekend and sent about 300 pounds of materials to troops.
For her project, Overstreet is asking residents to supply items they often take for granted: eyewash, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, foot powder, body powder, snack food and small containers that can store items.
Overstreet also encourages people to send stationery, stamps and envelopes.
Overstreet and her husband, Larry, have one child, Ashley their 16-year-old daughter who also is helping organize the Operation Uplift effort.
Ashley, who is home-schooled, has helped her mother make flyers to advertise the event.
Katie said she will supply boxes for the items and cover the cost of postage. She said she would rather see people contribute items soldiers can use.
After sending two boxes of items to troops in Iraq, she said she heard back from recipients who said the package made it seem like Christmas.
OPERATION UPLIFT
Here is a look at Operation Uplift. For more information and details, contact organizer Katie Overstreet at 626-8483.
The project: Operation Uplift was organized by Collinsville homemaker Katie Overstreet to provide troops in Iraq with basic items.
The items: People can donate such items as eyewash, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash and snack food.
Collection Day: Donations will be accepted 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26 at Horticulture Services Inc., 2311 Highway 19 N., next to Seal Laird Veterinary Hospital.