Volunteer bakers seek active-duty soldiers from Ohio

Operation Baking Northern Ohio, a group of local bakers, mothers, families and others who bake once a month for Ohio servicemembers stationed overseas, is looking for soldiers to receive homemade care packages.

The bakers work independently or with a group of friends, baking in their home kitchens and packing and shipping the treats to soldiers selected by the Operation Baking coordinator. There are currently 120 volunteers baking for three soldiers per month. Many soldiers receive very few care packages, and the baked goods offer a taste of home and dose of support.

“It's boxes like this that keep our morale up during rough times which are frequent over here,” wrote Spc. Ryan Flynn, a soldier stationed in Afghanistan. “Thanks again for your support, it is people like you that give us a sweet reminder of why we fight.”

Bakers of all skill levels are always welcome to participate. Military Flat Rate boxes are available free from the post office and cost $12.50 to ship. Any type of baked good that won’t melt or spoil within 7 days (the time it takes to reach the soldiers) can be wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer bag with a slice of bread to control moisture and shipped to that month’s lucky recipient.

Anyone who knows of a local soldier overseas or likes to bake should contact Fran Zimmerman at ZimmOhio@aol.com. For more information about Operation Baking Northern Ohio, visit http://ohbakes.blogspot.com.
Read More on Community Service
Volume 2, Issue 10, Posted 11:48 AM, 05.13.2010