Christ Lutheran Church
14700 S. 94th Ave.
Orland Park, Il 60462

(708) 349-0431

Fax: (708) 349-0668

SUPPORT-OUR-TROOPS

Carol O'Donnell, member of Christ Lutheran Church, is leading a group of volunteers on a mission to help the men and women serving our country overseas. They have created 4 items they hope will bring some relief to the extreme seasonable conditions that our troops face in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

  They've been quilting for years, but these days they are using their talents here at Christ Lutheran Church for a purpose to be found in Iraq and Afghanistan. Led by Carol O' Donnell of Palos Hills, a group of volunteers started making neck coolers and helmet liners for American soldiers stationed there.

“ It was a time of my life when I looked around and thought, I'm really comfortable … . I've got a nice home and everything I want. Who is doing anything for those girls and guys out there,” said Carol.

Made from camouflage material, the neck coolers are infused with a material that keeps them wet and cool for two months once they are soaked in water. They relieve discomfort of temperatures in Iraq that can reach 108 degrees.

“When you join the military you don't necessarily plan on going to be in a war but you go where you resent and I think it's nice for them to know that people appreciate the things that they do” said volunteer Robynn Garrett.

“They're doing so much for us and the little bit they get from us let's them know we care, we're thinking of them --- that's important,” said volunteer Donna Bamberger.

The group has been working at the project since May 2005 and during that time; they have produced over 3,000 helmet liners and over 2,000 neck coolers to be sent to the troops.

For the months of April and May, we will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th saturday of each month. This will allow us to ship more neck coolers before the summer heat hits.

The three join a group of other volunteers to continue the work in Fellowship Hall (lower-level, beneath the Church) at Christ Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Coffee is provided; please bring a lunch.

“Deep down inside, it's the most satisfactory thing I've ever done in my whole life – it's wonderful,” said Carol.

Volunteers are welcome. No sewing, knitting, crochet skills necessary. Hands for assembly work are needed.
Call the Church Office 708-349-0431 for information.

Our Support Our Troops Group will be displaying information regarding this ministry at the 2nd Annual Fair and Hobby Exhibit at Trinity Covenant Church located at 9230 South Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn, IL where we were very warmly greeted. Carol O'Donnell spoke to the attendees about this project. We have been blessed in that several people who were at this exibit have now volunteered to participate.

Lynn Burke, another volunteer and Christ Lutheran Church member, also spoke at the Fair. In November, she began a project making mittens for the needy. She was happy to use the strips of fabric leftover from the Gators that were made for the troops.

Donations:

We would like to thank Lutheran church Charities for all their support. Besides providing a monetary donation, they were able to locate a source and obtained shipping boxes for us. This is a huge savings to our limited budget. Through their website, we have also received requests fro mpeople in four other states who expressed an interest in making helmet liners for our troops.