Operation: Caramel Corn
Naper Nuts & Sweets Sweetens U.S. Troops Experience Overseas
In an effort to help with the experience for U.S. Troops that are serving in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Naper Nuts & Sweets Shop at 10 W. Jefferson Ave. in Downtown Naperville plans to produce 1,000 bags of caramel corn a week for the men and women of the U.S. military overseas.
The goal of Operation: Caramel Corn is to extend this to the true needs of the soldiers, which include such items as lip balm, sun block, fly swatters, emery boards, and of course, our delicious Caramel Corn.
Any volunteer or donations that comes from Operation: Caramel Corn will directly fulfill the U.S. troops' wish list (at left) for essentials or defray the cost of shipping a box. Scroll down to learn more about Operation: Caramel Corn and find out how you can take part in Supporting a Box. You can also stop by Naper Nuts & Sweets located at 10 W. Jefferson Avenue in Downtown Naperville.
Additional Information
Did you know that there are close to 150,000 American servicemen and women deployed overseas in defense of our country? Many of these troops are living in very difficult conditions with few, if any, creature comforts. The need for basic items is great. These boxes can include items such as packaged treats (candy bars, nutria-grain bars, nuts, vacuumed packed food, etc - no home baked goods please!), powdered drink mix, baby wipes (many of our soldiers go weeks without being able to take a shower), hand warmers, etc. An ideal box contains 20-35 pounds of goods. The cost of shipping a box that size is approximately $30.00.
Sponsoring a box is easy. Each person may choose to contribute an item or two off of the wish list (or something else appropriate) and/or they may make a monetary donation to defray the shipping cost. Letters, pictures, drawings, etc. can all be put in the box along with self addressed envelopes for the soldiers to write back. A class, scout troop, church group, or just about any other group, organization, or individual can sponsor a box to a soldier.
This is a great learning opportunity for children. Not only does it familiarizes them with the different areas they are hearing about but it also gives them a chance to make a difference in the world situation. Whenever possible, treats in the box are shared with local children who have often been taught only negative things about Americans. Operation: Caramel Corn helps provide them with a personal positive experience with American troops.
Operation: Caramel Corn Soldier Wish List
Lip Balm
Heavy Moisture Cream
Non-Medicated Eye Drops
Sun Block
Aloe Vera
Large Baby Wipes (soft packs)
Hand Sanitizer
Mole Skin or Blister Pads
Multi Vitamins, Zinc/Vitamin C Tablets, Cough Drops
Air Fresheners
Fly Swatters
Small Games/Velcro Dart Games
Plain Bandannas
Whiffle Ball and Bat
Freezer Bags (large size)
Writing Journal Books/Magazines
Shaving Cream
White Athletic Tube Socks
Athletic Foot Spray
Body Powder/Gold Bond Powder
Dental Floss
Toilet Paper
Phone Cards
Queen Size Knee High Panty Hose (used to pull over boots to keep scorpions out)
Any Vacuumed Packed Sealed Foods (olives, pickles, salmon, tuna)
Gum/Mints/Candy
Sweetened Powdered Drink Mix
Snack Items (granola bars, Twinkies, etc.)
Trail Mix
Slim Jim/Jerky
Please Do Not Bring:
Fresh Food Items (no home baked goods!)
Alcohol, Cigarettes, Religious Items, Pornography, Pork, Fresh Fruit
All items need to be in their original sealed packages!