Motorcyclists participated in Operation Thank You’s Parade to Honor the Military in Morrow on Aug. 7. The Enquirer/Amanda Davidson
Sue Kiesewetter reports:
A Warren County organization that sends requested items to American troops in Afghanistan is kicking off its annual blanket drive with a motorcycle ride and fundraiser Saturday.
Operation Thank You’s fifth annual blanket ride begins with registration from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Mason Powder Keg Harley Davidson, 2383 Kings Center Court. Riders leave the shop for the 2.5-hour ride through Warren County at 10:30 a.m.
Cost is $15 per bike, $20 for riders with a passenger. Riders or others can also bring 72-inch long, twin-sized blankets to the fundraiser.
Blankets can also be dropped off at the Peoples First Saving Bank in Mason and Morrow; Porky Capone Barbecue in Lebanon; and the Culver’s in Mason.
All proceeds will be used to buy and ship blankets to troops in Afghanistan. Last year about 3,200 blankets were shipped to troops.
“It keeps a lot of men and women warm,’’ said C.J. Ashby, who is coordinating the event.
The organization will send the blankets to the troops through January, said Carol Alexander, founder of Operation Thank You.
“They go inside the sleeping bags,’’ Alexander said. “We like pastels or darker colors – but not bright red blankets. We don’t want to make them a sitting target.”
Activities at the fundraiser begin at noon and run to about 4 p.m. at Powder Keg. Live music will be provided by bands No Alibies, D.C. Project, and American Rebels, who are all donating their time, Ashby said.
There will be a split the pot, corn hole games, food, drinks and raffles. The top raffle will be for a .22-caliber Golden Boy rifle. Tickets are $10 each and will be sold through the end of the fundraiser, when the winning ticket will be drawn.
The winner of the drawing must pass a background check before receiving the rifle.
Patrons are also encouraged to purchase $10 priority boxes that will be shipped to the troops. Each box will be filled with items requested by the troops. Sample boxes will be on display.
“You pay the postage, we fill the box,’’ Alexander said. “We take special requests. I never know what we’ll be shopping for that day until I open my email.”
Packages are shipped to the troops from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday through the organization’s Package to the Troops initiative.
“Our mission is to try to make life a little more comfortable for our troops,’’ Alexander said.
There will also be Christmas cards for patrons to sign at the fundraiser that will be mailed to the troops. Last year the organization sent about 15,000 cards.
