Alyssa Antonucci has vivid memories of when her boyfriend, Adam Avenia, served overseas.
Avenia served a year as a military police officer in Afghanistan, returning to Connecticut in 2013.
All military families worry about their loved ones in the service.
But Antonucci, 26, was also concerned with the fact conditions in Afghanistan were even worse than you’d expect.
“When he was away it was eye-opening. There are so many things (that happen) that the average American doesn’t realize,” she said.
The troops didn’t receive breakfast and the bases didn’t have heat in the cold weather. So Antonucci sent Avenia boxes of food, blankets, socks, and more when he was deployed.
“Their toothpaste (and other toiletries) runs out and they shouldn’t be without them just because they are away from home,” Antonucci said. “They’re fighting for our freedom and they should have (everything they need).”
To that end, Antonucci has joined forces with Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to troops,
to launch “Mission: Give Back,” a local effort to collect a variety of items for service members.
“We should show the men and women that they are appreciated,” Antonucci said.
Antonucci and Avenue will collect items ranging from toiletries to books to socks and knit hats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Nolan Field parking lot, 350 Wakelee Ave.
There also will be a can for donations to help defray shipping costs.
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