HOUTZDALE – This year marks the 11th kick-off of Project Santa 365, a program that collects items not only for Americans serving in Afghanistan, but also for veterans at Tomorrows Hope in Coalport.
Pfc. Bradley G. Kritzer enlisted the help of his family to send packages to his fellow troops who did not receive them from home. Kritzer was killed while serving in Iraq in 2004. In memory of their son, Roger and Sharon Kritzer, alongside family and friends, continued to send packages overseas under the name, Project Santa.
Members of the Catholic Daughters St. Victoria’s Court No. 646, Houtzdale, were honored when the Kritzer family decided to pass the torch under the name “Project Santa 365.” Packages are currently sent to soldiers and veterans throughout the year.
Peggy Murawski and Debbie Kruise, co-chairpersons, have enlisted the help of several school districts and businesses to assist in the Project Santa 365 collection. Their collection will end on Nov. 21.
Collections will be accepted at Christ the King Church, Houtzdale, as well as at the Project Santa 365 workshop at the church. Hours are each Monday, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Collections will also take place at the Holy Trinity Church, Ramey; Leyo’s IGA, Coalport; Penn Highlands Clearfield; Tyrone Hospital; and Shop & Save Express, Houtzdale.
The following items are being collected: individually-wrapped snacks, such as Doritos, beef jerky, gum, hard candies, small containers of chips, pretzels or cookies, “fun-sized” candy, fish-shaped crackers, popcorn and traditional crackers; boot socks; quality razors; shaving cream; phone cards; baby wipes; hand and foot warmers; travel size games; memory sticks for laptops; disposable cameras; regular-sized Christmas stockings; individual drink mixes; deodorant; body soap, shampoo and conditioner; and stationery, pens and letters and cards from individuals, addressed to “Someone Very Special.”
Shipping items overseas is costly. Any individual, business, group or organization that would like to make a financial contribution may make checks payable to “Project Santa 365.”
Contributions and contact information for a soldier in Afghanistan may be sent to Peggy Murawski, c/o Christ the King Church, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, PA. If sending the contact information of a soldier overseas, please make sure to include their name, full military address and date they expect to leave Afghanistan.
Individuals may contact Peggy Murawski at 814-378-8220 or Debbie Kruise at 814-553-3156 with any questions.