Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus today expressed gratitude to the hundreds of residents who have donated supplies to be shipped to troops from the County serving overseas.
Neuhaus, who is currently deployed abroad, posted a video on Facebook on February 10th, asking the public to send necessities for servicemen and servicewomen to the County’s Veterans Service Agency office in Goshen. The response was overwhelming and the first truckloads of supplies, which totaled more than 1,000 pounds, were sent out to more than 200 Orange County troops on Monday, March 11th.
“Orange County’s response to this initiative for our troops has been overwhelming and is much appreciated,” said Neuhaus, a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserves. “We have received supplies from residents, businesses, schools and a variety of organizations, and items continue to be donated. This is a wonderful way to pay tribute to those who proudly serve our country.”
The County’s VSA has been collecting supplies for nearly a month. As per Neuhaus’s request, donations include powdered drinks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, disposable razors, Q-tips, travel size shampoos and conditioners, snack foods, including energy bars, nuts and seeds, cookies, gum, hard candies, dried fruit and crackers. United For The Troops, a non-profit organization in Putnam County which supports troops overseas in a variety of ways, assisted the County in shipping the packages.
Private donations covered all shipping costs.
“I want to thank (Veterans Service Agency Director) Christian Farrell and his staff for coordinating this drive with my staff and Jim Rathschmidt from United For The Troops,” Neuhaus said. “It is a testament to how committed the community is to our soldiers.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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