PRESQUE ISLE and CARIBOU, Maine — During the month of November and the first week of December, customers at Dollar Tree stores in Caribou and Presque Isle were asked if they wished to purchase a toy for children of current military personnel and veterans.
Store customers donated a total of 12,000 items, which were collected weekly by the Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954.
Members of the Elks transported, stored, sorted and assembled those 12,000 items for selection by current military personnel or their significant others, as well as military veterans and their spouses.
Soldiers from the United States Army National Guard 185th Engineering Support Battalion of Caribou and their significant others were able to select items for their children, grandchildren and other family members beginning Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge.
“The generosity of the Dollar Tree customers in Caribou and Presque Isle and their demonstration of support and appreciation for the sacrifices of current military personnel, and their families, as well as military veterans, was absolutely amazing,” said Captain Dustin Cook, 185th Battalion commander.
“It means a lot to our families, especially at this time of year,” Cook added.
“The Presque Isle Elks were truly honored to have been able to play a role in Operation Homefront,” said Alan Harding, exalted ruler. “Twelve thousand items of toys represents a substantial volume. Through the efforts of several members of Elks Lodge 1954, as well as students from the Loring Job Corps military preparedness class under the direction of Carl Smith and Roger Felix, those toys were stored, sorted and displayed in order that selection could be made by the military personnel, their spouses, and military veterans.
“Ultimately, all of the donated toys were distributed to military personnel, veterans, Toys for Tots, and other local charities,” said Harding. “It was truly a heartwarming endeavor for the Presque Isle Elks of Lodge 1954 to have been involved.”
