Editor:
Even in our sluggish economy 16 area restaurants generously agreed to participate in Dining for Troops on Sept. 11; most of them have been supporting this fundraiser since it began four years ago. On behalf of Marine Corps Family Foundation and the deployed troops who will receive not only filled Christmas stockings and holiday goodies but care packages during the year, Iʼd like to thank the following restaurants:
Albany: Bo-Mackʼs BBQ, (who opened on Sunday just for this event), Carinoʼs, Cascade Grill, Cold Stone Creamery, Dennyʼs (who included their Canby and Rice Hill locations) Elmerʼs, Novakʼs Hungarian, Popʼs Branding Iron and Pizza King.
Lebanon: Bing’s Kitchen, Big Town Hero, Mamaʼs Fine Italian (they had to hurry their reopening so they could participate).
Sweet Home: All Star Pizza, A&W Drive-in, Skyline Inn Restaurant and The Point.
And, of course, our thanks to the folks who dined out that day and helped make it a successful endeavor.
I wish everyone that helps support sending care packages to our troops had the opportunity to read the letters they send.
From a small field hospital: “We have injured patients that feel isolated, hurt and sometimes just bored. They really light up when they see all the treats.”
From a very remote base, after I sent Easter goodies that the senior guys put out on the younger guys’ beds: “Most of the guys commented that it was almost like being home for Easter when they were kids! … Helping us, even though you have never met or spoken to us, is something that will stay with us for the rest of our lives!”
Or, “When we got back from that weeklong patrol and saw all the packages we werenʼt tired anymore! It was like Christmas in July.”
So a huge thank you to everyone that helps make this possible, we couldnʼt do it without you. If you would like to volunteer, call (541) 258-8239.
Anita Allen
Lebanon