Operation Care Package Returns to Westwood and Township of Washington, Expands to Help Homeless Veterans

the staff of the Ridgewood bog

Westwood NJ, Operation Care Package is back for its fourth year in Westwood and Township of Washington, and this time it’s expanding its mission. The initiative, originally started to send care packages to local servicemen and women stationed overseas, is now also focusing on providing essentials to homeless veterans in need.

Supporting Our Troops and Veterans

Founded three years ago, Operation Care Package initially aimed to bring comfort to active-duty military members from the Westwood and Washington Township areas. Over time, the project has grown to include friends and relatives of residents from both towns. According to Anthony Greco, one of the project’s coordinators, the initiative has sent care packages to servicemen and women stationed on aircraft carriers in the Pacific, soldiers in Kuwait, and Coast Guard members on the West Coast.

This year, organizers plan to assemble about 15 care packages, similar to last year’s efforts, while also putting together 25 bags with basic hygiene kits for homeless veterans, in partnership with Veteran’s Haven North, a transitional housing program in Lebanon Township.

A Family-Inspired Project

The inspiration for Operation Care Package came from Greco’s mother, who began sending care packages to her grandchildren during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing the joy these packages brought, Greco decided to extend the initiative to local servicemen and women.

Cheryl Hodges, a Gold Star mom who lost a child in service, also joined the effort, bringing a personal connection to the cause. Greco recalls, “She said her son used to love getting letters from kids at grammar schools.”

The project also includes heartfelt letters and pictures drawn by students from Westwood and Washington Township, which often become the most cherished part of the packages.

Expanding to Help Homeless Veterans

This year marks a new chapter for Operation Care Package. In addition to supporting active-duty military personnel, the team is focused on helping homeless veterans, many of whom are often overlooked, especially female veterans. Greco’s wife, Kristen, highlighted the importance of including feminine products in the hygiene kits, a suggestion that local resident Vince Tirri appreciated: “A lot of homeless female veterans don’t seek help, so they slip through the cracks.”

How You Can Help

Donations are being collected for both active-duty servicemen and women, as well as homeless veterans. Items requested for care packages include:

• Gum, nuts, granola bars, and trail mix
• Fruit snacks, beef jerky, cookies, and popcorn
• Crackers, candy (no chocolate), coffee, and tea
• Playing cards, Uno, Rummikub, and gift cards (Amex/Visa)

For homeless veterans, the following items are needed:

• Combs, brushes, shampoo, and body wash
• Shaving cream, razors, and hand/body wipes
• Body lotion, feminine products (pads/tampons)
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorant

Donations should be dropped off by November 1 at 26 Euclid Ave. in Westwood. For more information, you can reach out to Anthony Greco at 201-218-1796.