Barb Carter with plaque honoring her for the Baby Basket program and her contributions to the 162nd Airborne
Diane Mazzarella
For the past ten years, Barb Carter has been key to SaddleBrooke Troop Support’s (STS) efforts on behalf of the veterans served by the Tucson VA and Blind Rehabilitation Center as well as countless young military families in the area. At the February STS board meeting, Barb announced her retirement from these activities effective September 1, 2016. Her efforts, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed within the SaddleBrooke community and by the recipients of the generous donations that she organized and facilitated.
Barb’s home has been the collection point for literally thousands of articles of clothing, books and other items over the years. In January alone, she collected and sorted over $1,500 worth at thrift store prices and arranged for delivery to the VA and military liaison officers who met applicants for assistance to ensure that the donated items go to the truly needy. Donated CDs, DVDs and tapes are also used in rehabilitation classes for the blind who are learning to improve their listening skills.
Early this year, Barb worked with Unit 36 and KnitWits ladies on baby showers and baskets. The two groups donated 51 baskets filled with a variety of clothing, diapers, bedding, toys and other necessities as well as mommy items to assist military families. Each basket contained items valued between $100 and $150. Unit 36 and KnitWits also donated $415 in cash. Barb explained that young families can wait three to four months for their paychecks when they are transferred or mustered out of the military. These can be stressful times for new parents and the baskets and cash assistance are greatly appreciated.
Such an outstanding volunteer as Barb Carter will be hard to replace by one person, but if you would like to help out to continue any part of these important efforts, please contact George Bidwell, president of STS, 818-2389, [email protected], or visit saddlebrooke-troop-support.com. SaddleBrooke Troop Support is a 501(c) (3) organization. One hundred percent of the proceeds of STS activities are used to support active duty military and veterans.