Giving the gift of java

Bremerton students

step up to support troops overseas.

With Starbucks or other coffee stands seemingly on every city block, it’s easy to take a morning latte or double-shot mocha for granted, but in the mountains of Afghanistan and the sands of Iraq, those are but distant memories for the thousands of American troops serving overseas.

Fortunately for the troops, the Bremerton High School SkillsUSA chapter is stepping up once again to honor the nation’s bravest and brightest standing in harm’s way through Operation Coffee House, sending troops goodies like coffee, jerky and other items.

“Operation Coffee House is another project that is designed to show support to the men and women of our military that we appreciate what they do to protect our freedoms,” said BHS SkillsUSA Chapter Adviser Will Jones.

In the past, students have done projects like Care Packages for the Troops, Clothes For Kids for the Kitsap County Foster Care Association and Valentines for the Troops, where students sent 1,800 handmade Valentines all over the world, he said.

“In the past we have received letters, cards, e-mails and photos from all over the world thanking us for the encouragement we have sent,” he said. “Last year we also received a flag and certificate from Iraq expressing appreciation for our continued support.”

This year, the SkillsUSA chapter has teamed up with another student leadership organization, the Future Career and Community Leaders of America, in its effort to spread holiday cheer to the troops, he said, adding that between the two groups about 20 to 25 students are expected to participate.

“The troops love ground coffee, hard candy, jerky, tea, baby wipes, powdered drinks and snacks,” he said.

There are drop boxes at Parker Lumber on Wheaton Way, Kitsap Way Dairy Queen and in the office at Bremerton High School, he said, adding that “We need community support in order for this project to succeed.”

Donations will be collected until Nov. 21 at all three locations and those wanting to know more about the effort are encouraged to e-mail Jones at will.jones@bsd.wednet.edu.

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