Roswell Area Students Collect Candy for Troops

Four years ago Centennial student Chase Rosenberg was searching for a project that would allow him to lend a helping hand - he found the sweetest thing, quite literally.

Rosenberg came across information about Operation Stars and Stripes, an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3), not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting America’s military, right here in Atlanta. He went to work collecting candy to send to the troops for the holidays.

This year, Rosenberg reached out to some friends Cameron Bean, Brett Shrafft, David Resnick and Michael Lopez for help.

The five juniors collected over 300 pounds of candy and non perishables for Operation Stars and Stripes. They boys were thrilled with with how many of their friends, family and neighbors wanted to get involved too. One neighbor even donated $200, which will help offset some of the expense of sending the packages overseas.

Operation Stars and Stripes was originally the vision of mother and daughter, Rosalyn and Rosalyn Sue Smith. Over the past 10 years since its inception in May 2001, the organization has grown quite a bit, but it still operates solely through donated items and funds. In total, over 100,000 packages have been sent to deployed troops because of the non-profit.

This winter alone, over 1,000 stockings will be sent overseas in time for the holidays.

For more information on Operation Stars and Stripe contact Info@OperationStarsAndStripes.org. Donations go to support the troops.

Do you volunteer during the holidays? What ways have you found to give back? Tell us in the comments.