Grocery shopping ideas (photo by Peggy McGee),
Peggy McGee
It’s time to check your pantry to see if there are any unexpired groceries that would help fill the food pantry at the 162nd Wing, AZ Air National Guard. Sponsored by the Green Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), this annual Food for the Troops collection will help young airmen when their funds run low at the end of the month as well as their families if they are deployed overseas. Some of their favorite foods include granola bars, pasta and sauces, tuna, and canned meats. Canned chili is very popular too. Rice and beans help them prepare satisfying meals for their families. Many have young children so dried fruit, cereal, fruit juices would also be appreciated.
In addition to non-perishable foods, MOAA will also be collecting hygiene, paper, laundry detergent and other cleaning products, supplies that often cost more than food but are necessary for modern living.
Collection baskets will be available in front of the Madera Clubhouse on July 4 from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m. MOAA members will be in front of the clubhouse to accept groceries as well as gift cards (Safeway, Fry’s, Walmart) and monetary donations.
If it’s too hot to shop but you still want to help, checks payable to MOAA S and MA Fund may be mailed to Green Valley MOAA, P.O. Box 1535, Green Valley, AZ 85622-1535. Please add Food for the Troops on the memo line.
On July 4, right before and after the flag raising ceremony that will be conducted by the Naval JROTC cadets in front of the Clubhouse, MOAA members will be selling 50-50 raffle tickets to support its Turkeys for the Troops program at Thanksgiving time. One does not have to be present to win the 50-50 raffle for which the winning name will be drawn in the afternoon on July 4.The 50-50 raffle tickets are 6 for $5, 14 for $10 or 30 for $20, cash or checks. Bring address labels to prevent writer’s cramp!
MOAA will also be selling Jim Click raffle tickets for $25 each or 5 for $100. The money raised from this raffle is used to support scholarships for JROTC cadets and educational grants for veterans attending the University of Arizona. They hope to have the 1st place prize, a 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Roush Edition truck on display too. The winning names for the vehicle, first class airline tickets for two to anywhere in the world commercial airlines fly and $5,000 cash will be drawn on December 10.
On Independence Day, please support the troops who are presently serving.