Tommy Farren is a Darien High School junior, but he has an adult's perspective when it comes to supporting United States soldiers. He will be chairing the third annual Darien Little League's Operation Cares this weekend at McGuane Park. Residents are encouraged to donate items for soldiers, and Darien Little League players and coaches will collect the items, pack and ship them.
"I'm looking forward to it,'' says Farren, whose father, Tony directed the drive the first two years. "A little work on one weekend isn't anything compared to what the troops do for us."
The drive will be held Saturday and Sunday from 11-4, and Monday from 12-3. Children are encouraged to write letters to the troops, and people can also include names and addresses of soldiers who can receive packages. Donations will also be accepted. The league is collecting a long list of non-perishable items, including toiletries, food and miscellaneous goods such as batteries, shoelaces, playing cards and flashlights.
Tommy has worked on the drive for the past two years. He stepped up to direct the drive this year, and contacted shops and merchants about supporting the drive. He reached out to organizations that have supported the drive in the past, but also developed new connections. "There are always new ones to find,'' Tommy says.
The drive delivered 170 packages in 2008, and 193 in 2009. Soldiers are appreciative of the packages. "The love and time you put into 'Operation DLL Cares' is evident ... the packages you've put together are much appreciated within our unit," an Air Force solder wrote. "It's little reminders of home and family, like things you included in the care packages, that help make our tour more bearable."
Tommy is glad to help brighten the day of overseas soldiers. "I know what they do, and I'm just really appreciative,'' Farren says. For a complete list of items being collected, click here.
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