Gypsy Road Trip

Thank you to all who have served!

Acute Nursing Care in Cambridge has started a program on the local level to send Care Packages to people who are in the military and have families in the thirteen counties they serve.

This health care center provides professional services to clients in their homes to assist in day-to-day self-care activities. This surrounds them with family, friends, and the things that are important for that at home feeling. Nurses Supporting Our Troops give that same kind of home feeling to those who are away from home in the service by providing them with a touch of home.

Those in the military have always enjoyed letters from home to keep that connection with family and friends. So, a package from home has a special meaning as it shows the recipient that they are remembered. Care packages and letters are always a comfort to those away from home. Be sure to include a thank you so they realize their service is appreciated.

Shelly Long, Acute Nursing Care owner/manager, got the idea early in 2023 when her nephew was being moved from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to serve in Kuwait. She knew life there was very hard for him and he was missing home so thought a care package from people he loved would lift his spirits. Their first care package was received in Kuwait in May and very much appreciated.

After that, the staff at Acute Nursing Care thought this would be a great idea for more than just her nephew as many young people in the military experience a great change in their lives. Nurses Supporting Our Troops was organized locally to create Care Packages. Shipments are being made through international mailings along with Domestic Mail to active military bases. Nurses Supporting Our Troops has sent out care packages around the world.

Another recent recipient was an active duty Army Sargent of the Airborne Division, who was stationed in Poland. He received some flaming hot Cheetos in his care package.

To Celebrate D-Day on June 5, a care package was sent to an active soldier in the UK. Imagine the smile on the faces of those receiving a care package from home.

If you know of any active area person serving in the military that you would like to nominate for a care package, please email their full name, rank, and military base app address to York@acutenc.com.

If you would like to participate in helping with this program, some of the items that are easily shipped include: bags of chips, hygiene products (travel size preferred), individually packaged snack foods, lip balm, cooling towels, beef jerky (no pork products), and paper back books.

The only requirement they need for donations is the retail price of each item for customs and the exact number of items. Please do not send any items containing batteries or liquid as well as nothing that would melt in hot conditions.

Donations are being accepted at the next Senior Coalition meeting or at the office of Acute Nursing Care at 64979 Old Twenty One Road, Cambridge. You can drop things off Monday thru Friday 9-4 or call 740-439-5720 and they will pick them up at your convenience. Drop an email to York Hiestand, Human Resources, at york@acutenc.com for additional information.

Acute Nursing Care is active in the community and supports many local drives. Their participation in back-to-school drives for needed supplies was a huge success and donated over 1000 items at Cambridge Elementary. They have also helped organize baskets for seniors at home and in the nursing centers. Their caring goes beyond that done at Acute Nursing Care.

Nurses Supporting Our Troops realize that every day, service members put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrif

Remember to send a letter with photos or a care package to friends or family that are serving our country in the military. If you can’t organize that, let Nurses Supporting Our Troops assist you. That little piece of home could be the highlight of their day.