Seniors send $200G in coupons to troops

Imagine clipping $200,000 in coupons.
Well, that’s exactly what some seniors did, supporting the Army Community Service Center Coupon Program, which provides individual and family services to over 50,000 service members.
The process is simple: the seniors from the Ozone Park Senior Center clip the money-saving coupons for food and necessary supplies, which Janice Bailey, commander of the Alfred Lucia Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 118, brings to the post office in Kew Gardens – at least two boxes a week, she said. These are sent to numerous military bases overseas, including Germany, Hong Kong and others, and the soldiers then redeem them at any retailer or on base.
“It’s perfect for soldiers,” said a Korean War veteran.
“We are very grateful for having so many people back home supporting and lifting up our military personnel as they stand ready to defend our freedom,” said Michelle A. Thomas, Army Community Service director.
“The seniors are really helping,” echoed Bailey. “They are phenomenal.”
And so, to thank them for all their hard work, Unit 118 and the Richmond Hill South Civic Association hosted, for the very first time, a dessert party on Friday, November 5 with flowers and bouquets donated by C. Verdino and Sons Florist.
“It was perfect timing,” said Margaret Finnerty, president of the Richmond Hill South Civic Association. “We brought attention to Veterans’ Day and thanked the seniors.”
At the event were State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblymember Mike Miller, both fresh off their re-election victories, and City Councilmember Eric Ulrich.
“To have the elected officials there meant a lot,” said Finnerty, who noted she is hoping other senior centers get involved in their program as well.