Trenton Bradshaw is asking the community to assist him and other volunteers by helping pack — or provide items for — troop support packages.
The 2023 Teen Manteca City Ambassador is conducting a packing event on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. at the fellowship hall at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, North Street and Powers Avenue.
Assisting with the Cpl Charles O. Palmer II Memorial Troop Support Program is Bradshaw’s Manteca Youth Focus advocacy project.
He started out with the goal of raising $500 to help pay for the cost of postage to ship the care packages. He has expanded the project to sponsor the packing event, collecting supplies for the boxes as well as raise additional funds to pay for the postage.
His goal is to pack 50 to 100 care packages for military troops stationed overseas.
Bradshaw has been consistently involved with the Cpl Palmer troop packing organization since he was 6 years old.
He started his own fundraiser at age 9 by raffling off his own bike.
As 2021 Young Manteca City Ambassador, his advocacy project was raising money for postage that year that included a rim and tire cleaning event to raise money.
Currently, as the 2023 Teen Manteca City Ambassador he started last June doing odd jobs to raise money. He worked in yards, painted, did yard clean up, childcare, as well as washed cars to raise money.
He currently has raised more than $2,500 to pay for postage and has collected items for the boxes. The box cost around $25 each to ship.
It costs $1,250 to ship 50 boxes.
Those who would like to help pack boxes or donate funds to cover the shipping of a box can stop by Sunday.
Items that are still needed include powdered drink mixes (such as Crystal Light), coffee, tea, cocoa, powdered coffee creamer, nail clippers, emery boards, socks (white or black), jerk, protein/energy bars, packaged fruits and/or nuts, cereal, cookies, crackers, seasonings, condiment packages, oatmeal packets, Pop Tarts, gum, breath mints, candy, non-perishable meats/tuna kits.
Throat lozenges, over the counter pain and cold medicines, mouthwash (travel size), dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand warmers, hairbrushes/combs, body wash, shampoo, hand lotion, Ziplock bags, personal cleaning wipes, lip balm, eye drops, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, nose spray, travel size games (with batteries if needed), cards, dice, and correspondence items such as note pads and pens
Youi are asked not to donate times that are pressurized or have glass.
