Local women bake treats for troops

Chocolate chip cookies, an all-American treat, may not seem like much of a luxury at home, but to military personnel in harm’s way, a generous box of homemade cookies is a much-welcomed luxury.

Evelyn Olson and Carol Carey are co-chairs of “American Heartline,” an annual group-baking project that ships homemade cookies from September to May, when they have the use of Continental School’s commercial kitchen.

Olson has been coordinating, baking and shipping since 2004 when she took over the project from its founder. Working with Carey, the two coordinate the need for donations, publicity, baking, recruiting about two dozen volunteers, and shopping and shipping to send two 50-pound cartons to specific troops.

“We’re looking for names of those in the war zone to send cookies to. We’re also looking for volunteers and donations,” Olson said.

She explained that shipping costs run about $100 for two cartons. The government used to provide free shipping to troops, but since 9/11, they no longer do.

This year’s endeavor will start Monday, Oct. 6, when Olson, Carey and their team of measurers, mixers, bakers and packagers will bake the first batch of 100 pounds of cookies, which translates to 1,000 cookies. The project will continue every first and third Monday when school is in session.

When shipped, each carton can contain up to 90 packages of poly-bagged cookies that are tied with red, white and blue ribbons and decorated with patriotic stickers.

And sometimes, letters from students at Continental School are included as an extra warm and friendly touch from home.

Publicity is a major part of the endeavor as each carton must be shipped to a specific person in the military. “People hear about us through word of mouth and through publicity in the Green Valley News,” Olson said.

“Some respond because they want us to send cookies. Some respond because they want to volunteer,” Carey added.

In addition to the generosity of American Heartline volunteers, the corporate heart of Hershey’s responded with 218 pounds of chocolate chips when Olson sent them a letter of solicitation.

Local businesses and charitable organizations contribute, as well. Bashas’ contributes one percent based on customer purchasers who register their “thank you” card. Meredith’s Hallmark provides stickers and bubble-wrap. Parcel Plus provides shipping cartons and Safeway provides some baking ingredients.

Sometime between now and May, M&I Bank will sponsor a luncheon for volunteers.

Olson and Carey explained that in past years the White Elephant gave grants, but this year t decided to forgo a grant to allow others to be beneficiaries.

The team will try to bake for everyone on the list by May, and will get to all names eventually. The local relative is always called to confirm that the military person is still serving overseas before cookies are shipped, Olson said.

“It’s not that we’re supporting the war in any way; we’re supporting our sons and daughters, grandchildren, husbands and wives who are serving our country,” is Olson’s message.

“We need people to be aware we’re here,” Carey said.

American Heartline is a tax-deductible, charitable organization. To have cookies shipped to someone in the military, to donate money for the project or to volunteer, call Olson at 625-4940 or Carey at 625-5193.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.