The American Red Cross North Central Ohio Chapter is inviting the public to participate in a new project to support military personnel and veterans. The Red Cross is accepting donations of cans and bags of ground coffee which, in turn, will be given to area military and veterans’ facilities.

“Java for GIs is a great way for us to enhance our support for service members and veterans through our Services to the Armed Forces program,” said Executive Director Todd James. “There’s a basic camaraderie that veterans and service members share over a cup of coffee. It may seem like a little thing, but to them it means a lot. I’m so happy that the coffee we collect will be distributed for use in such places as a VA hospital and clinic waiting areas, the drill floors of local military units, and organizations that offer support to local veterans.”

New, unopened bag or cans of coffee can be dropped off at the Morrow County Red Cross, 36 W. Center St., Mount Gilead.

Sames and Cook Coffee Shop in downtown Mount Gilead is partnering with the Red Cross in support of Java For GIs. Customers can purchase coffee for donation to the program and leave it at the store for delivery to the Red Cross.

Sames and Cook is offering a 10 percent discount on the purchase price of bags of coffee purchased for donation and donors will also receive a free medium-size cup of coffee.

The Red Cross is tasked by its Congressional Charter to provide services to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. For information on programs and services available for service members, veterans and military families, visit www.redcross.org/NCOhio or call 419-422-9322.

Staff Report