“The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Holidays at the end of 1990 are especially memorable because Larry was 7,000 miles away from home serving in the Army in the Middle East,” comments Patty Hinkle who, along with her husband Larry, owns The Postal Shoppe.

“From then to this day, the thought of mail from Home is a poignant memory for both of us.” Larry Hinkle continues, “Following on the events of 2001, our family, valued customers and others in the community began collecting materials for shipment to U.S. Military Personnel who serve in harm’s way in the Middle East. Monetary donations make it possible for us to assist local families by providing both discount and often completely free shipping to local Military Personnel … not just at the Holidays, but year-round.”

“In 2008, the annual Veterans’ Day event collected sixty-eight boxes of gifts to service personnel which weighed in at 975 pounds. There were $2,500 in cash donations to the Adopt-A-Soldier fund and another one hundred and thirty-five

packages were sent from the community to local service members whose names were selected from the Christmas trees in our stores."

In addition to partnering with local media, the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross is coordinating Family Collection Nights (November 5th and 10th -- $1 off each admission ticket for those who donate to Adopt-A-Soldier) at Coco Key Water Resort. Speedway Automall will also be accepting Adopt-A-Soldier materials at their two locations (in Machesney Park on IL 173 West of Alpine Road and in Rockford on Alpine Road North of State Street) and have made a

commitment to donating $50 for all referrals which result in vehicle sales.

Organizations and the public are invited to participate. Materials such as recent magazines, batteries, CDs/DVDs, prepackaged food products, razors, razor blades, powdered drink mixes, CD/DVD/mp3 Players/iPods, handiwipes, and paper products are accepted (full list available at www.postalshoppes.com [see attached]). The Postal

Shoppe was originally established in Edgebrook Center. In 2004, the business expanded to a second location on the Southwest corner of South Perryville Road and Charles (just South of Menards) with drive up service in Cherry Valley.

For additional information, please contact Larry or Patty at The Postal Shoppe in Edgebrook Center at 815.397.7301 or The Postal Shoppe on Perryville at 815.484.0940.