The Cookie Corps was created by the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition in 2009 to honor the memory of Fallen Star Army Cpl. Michael Mayne from Burlington Flats, N.Y., who was killed in action in Iraq on 2/23/09.
It is comprised of volunteers from throughout the Mohawk Valley who are assigned either snacks, beverages, or toiletries, which are then delivered to the Marine Cpl. Gregory Harris Military Hospitality Room at Syracuse’s Hancock Airport.
Cpl. Harris, from the Syracuse area, was captured during the war in Vietnam. His remains are unaccounted for. The room provides service men and women with a stopover site while they’re in transit and is equipped with TVs, recliners, wi-fi access, computers, a microwave, etc.
To date, approximately 150,000 have availed themselves of these accommodations; volunteers staff the room, many of whom are veterans.
According to PR Coordinator Mary Ann Reitano, “The support of the Cookie Corps has been invaluable.”
HCHC Director Laura Hailston coordinates the service. Anyone interested in joining the Corps or seeking additional info can call Laura at 315-894-0854.
Operation Candy Cane is a facet of the Cookie Corps. It was instituted ten years ago by Vietnam veteran Ron Schoonmaker and Laura Hailston, who wondered whether it might be appropriate to provide those in transit with a Christmas gift and card handmade by area elementary school students.
After their request for such was accepted by the Coalition Board, they sprung into action. Candy Cane was the result. They put together a list of items($10 each) for both the military and their children and established collection sites (e.g., Kinney’s in Little Falls and Ilion).
The unwrapped gifts include, among others, wool caps, thermal gloves, playing cards, puzzle books (military) and coloring books, crayons, barbies, infant toys, and action figures (children). Boxes are picked up on December 1st.
Regarding cards, elementary students put their creativity to work to create their masterpieces.
Coalition members Ray Lenarcic and Kelly Brown stated, “We’ve been at the Room and have seen the impact something as simple as a handmade Christmas card thanking them for their service can have.”
Anyone interested in getting involved or any teacher interested in having a class make cards can call Laura at 315-894-0854.
Anyone familiar with the Coalition knows that among its primary objectives is putting a smile on children’s faces (especially those in need)-be it new backpacks and supplies, bikes, fire prevention coloring, half-and-half contests, new winter coats, or four items of new clothing and a toy, book or game under the tree on Christmas morning. It’s also remembering the sacrifices of our service men and women (Fallen Stars Memorial Mural, Memorial Park on HCCC’s campus, scholarships in their memories, etc.).
Coalition Founder Lenarcic stated, “Laura is one of the best volunteers I’ve ever worked with—her efforts in the memories of Cpls. Mayne and Harris are without equal. She personifies everything Christmas has come to mean.”