The 162nd’s food locker after the Food for the Troops collection (photo by Peggy McGee)
Peggy McGee
The Green Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association (MOAA), will be collecting non-perishable foods as well as hygiene, paper, and cleaning products for the troops at the 162nd Wing, AZ Air National Guard. The annual Food for the Troops collection helps the young airmen when their funds run low at the end of the month, as well as their families if they are deployed overseas. The troops continue to enjoy all types of Chef Boyardee products, granola bars, pasta and sauces, tuna, and canned meats. Many have young children, so dried fruit, cereal, and fruit juices would also be appreciated.
Collection baskets will be available in the Madera clubhouse lobby from July 1 through July 4. MOAA members will be in front of the clubhouse on July 4 between 7:15 and 9 a.m. to accept donations.
If it’s too hot to shop but you still want to help, checks payable to MOAA S&MA Fund may be mailed to Green Valley MOAA, P.O. Box 1535, Green Valley, AZ 85622-1535, or mailed to or dropped off at 1908 E. Longspur Place (fourth house up from the Quail Creek waterfall).
On July 4, right before and after the flag raising ceremony, which 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 on the afternoon of July 4. The 50/50 raffle tickets are 6 for $5, 14 for $10, or 30 for $20. 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 grants for veterans attending the University of Arizona. They hope to have the first place prize, a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, 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 Dec. 11.
On Independence Day, please support the troops who are presently serving.