Directors conduct Operation Candy Cane

By Ray Lenarcic

For the past decade, Herkimer County Hunger Coalition Directors Laura Hailston and Ron Schoonmaker have conducted Operation Candy Cane, providing a variety of Christmas gifts for troops in transit at the Cpl. Gregory Harris Courtesy Room at the Syracuse airport.

Included in the latter: wool caps, hand and foot warmers, thermal hunting socks and underwear. Gifts are also collected for the soldiers’ children including infant toys, PJs, games, action figures, Barbies, etc. A little something for them to bring home to their kids.

For six weeks beginning in November gifts are dropped off at Kinney Drugs in Little Falls and Ilion and the City Clerk’s office in Little Falls (thanks Kira) by a cadre of generous volunteers.

Ron and Laura also coordinate the Cpl. Michael Mayne Cookie Corps which monthly provides snacks, drinks and toiletries to troops in transit at the same Courtesy Room.

Anyone interested in volunteering or getting additional information for this worthwhile cause can call Laura at 315-894-0854. They also need drivers.

When asked why she and Ron are involved in this project, Laura answered, “Just to see the smiles on their faces (troops) and as a way of honoring the memory of Cpl. Harris.”