For Immediate Release:

An invitation to help us help others, through the New Hampshire Operation Military Kids Hero Pack Program.

UNH Cooperative Extension, through 4-H Youth Development programming offers support to New Hampshire’s Operation Military Kids. OMK is a youth outreach program that supports all branches of the military, functioning in all 50 states, including New Hampshire.

One form of outreach to military families in New Hampshire is with the Hero Pack Program. Hero Packs are given to youth; when their parents are deployed. Hero Packs are a way for the community to recognize the sacrifices that these youth make and to let them know that they are heros too.  Through the National OMK Office, UNH supplies the backpacks; and then the community organizations fill them with items that will help youth stay connected with their family member while they are deployed. In 2009 4-H Clubs in Cheshire County worked on OMK Hero Packs as a form of Community Service. With these packs and others from across the state UNH/OMK was able to distribute approximately 150 Hero Packs to NH Youth, at the time of deployment. In 2010 the anticipated number of Hero Packs needed for NH families being deployed will be approximately 2500. 

The Cheshire County UNH Cooperative Extension Staff have set a goal to assemble 100 Hero Packs. We would like to invite citizens, civic organizations, and other groups to participate in this project with us. How can you help? Make a donation of some of the required items, provide a collection container at your work site, or deliver donated items to the Cooperative Extension Office at 800 Park Ave. Donations of Hero Pack items would be received at the Cooperative Extension office beginning December 1st.  Our 4-H Members will be writing the Hero letters. The Hero Packs themselves will be assembled on December 14th .You will find a list of items required for Hero Packs, why not collect some of these items and make a donation to this worthwhile cause?. Our goal for this project is to fill 100 packs. If we have surplus materials, we will get additional packs from UNH. This is a project that will continue for sometime, we anticipate sponsoring additional Hero Pack Support Drives well into 2010 and beyond. For more information on this project contact Cheshire County Cooperative Extension at 352-4550.

Each Pack must contain four connection/communication tools such as: disposable cameras, international calling cards, photo albums, scrapbook, journal, pen, stationary, and postage stamps. Each pack should contain 5 fun items such as: Frisbees, Art supplies, children’s books, movie coupons, stickers, stuffed animals, and games. Finally, and most importantly the Hero Pack’s should include Handwritten Appreciation Letters from non military youth to military youth and their deployed family member thanking them for their service and sacrifices to our country. For more info go to  www.nhomk.com

Thank you for your support

UNH Cooperative Extension programs and policies are consistent with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on non-discrimination regarding age, color, handicap, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.