Drive collects good for those serving in the U.S. Military

Associated Orthodontists is proud to announce its annual supply drive for Operation Care Package. For the fourth year in a row, donations for deployed military personnel will be accepted throughout the month of November at all six Associated Orthodontists locations.  All donations will be sent to our troops via Operation Care Package.

Current Associated Orthodontists patients that participate in the drive will be entered into a drawing as a thank you for their support. One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, plus an additional winner from each Associated Orthodontists location will win 100 Smile Miles points.

The general public is also welcome to participate, and can drop items off at any Associated Orthodontists location during normal business hours. Participants are encouraged to visit AO’s Google pages or contact their local Associated Orthodontists office to confirm weekly hours of operation.

“We are excited to be hosting this event for a fourth year,” said Julie Gardner, Director of Practice Development with Associated Orthodontists. “It is one of our most successful and important events, and it supports our mission to give back to the communities we live in and serve. Through Operation Care Package, we support the local men and women serving our country, and also support those across our country.”

Requested items:

• Multi-vitamins
• Ziploc bags – all sizes
• Feminine products
• Men’s socks –black or white, work or crew cut
• Washcloths
• Body wash or shampoo – small size
• Shaving cream
• Deodorant
• Foot powder & anti-fungal cream
• Hand/foot warmers
• Phone Cards – 120 minutes AT&T
• Batteries – AA & AAA

Associated Orthodontists has six convenient locations in Joliet, Plainfield, Morris, New Lenox, Frankfort and Bourbonnais. Please visit greatbraces.com to find a location near you.

If you have questions about the drive, please contact Julie at jgardner@greatbraces.com.

About Operation Care Package

Operation Care Package is a volunteer 501 (c)(3) public charity, dedicated to our mission that no hero serving our nation should be forgotten.Their goal is to support our soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen through care packages and letters of encouragement.

The group was formed in March of 2003, by Debbie Smothers, Debbie Durawa, and Pat Curran. Debbie Smothers’ brother, David Bishop, an Army Green Beret for 19 years, has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and many other countries. Debbie Durawa’s son, Matthew Zwolinski, and Pat Curran’s son, Joe Curran, both serve in the Army and were deployed in Iraq.

“Some of the soldiers don’t receive anything in the mail, and they exist on little supplies,” said Smothers. “I don’t think any of them should go without something from mail call.”