Motorcycle club 'Pack Out' for soldiers in Patchogue

The U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club of Long Island is taking its ongoing effort to send care packages to the troops into high gear next week.

Club President Frank Bania said the group sends care packages to those fighting overseas on a regular basis, but three years ago began an annual “Care Package Pack Out,” inviting members of the public to bring donated items to one location to help pack and ship the boxes.

Last year, the event was held at the Bellport Fire Department and resulted in more than 1,800 boxes of donated goods.

Bania said the snacks and supplies are in high demand among the troops, but the Pack Out is also a good way to let the troops know that their communities care.

“We developed our package program to get the items over to the troops and to say we care,” Bania said. “Even more than us sending packages, it is to let them know that we’re behind them.”

This year’s Pack Out will take place at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Patchogue Lodge of Elks, located on Oak Street in Patchogue.

Bania said troops stationed overseas have little access to snacks, toiletries and entertainment items. A full list of items needed for donation is available at http://www.usvmcli.org.

People interested in participating can bring donations to package at the Pack Out, or contact a member of USVMCLI through the website or by calling 631-294-5248 to arrange getting items to the Pack Out. A $15 donation will also cover the cost of shipping one package.