The Washington Business Improvement District’s Operation Jersey Cares holiday season collection for troops was once again a great community effort on the part of local businesses, residents and shoppers.

With nearly all WBID businesses participating, this year’s total collection of items for our troops was sensational. The collection began in mid-November and concluded on Dec. 24. In all, 51 boxes of items were delivered to Operation Jersey Cares for distribution to the troops. 

Gibson’s Fitness Center, along with Coppers Saloon, shared this year’s Top Collector “award.” Gibson’s has been the top collector for three of the four years of the collection effort (they were second last year). Coppers Salon, meanwhile, has been among the top collectors all four years.

The troops were the real winners though, as they will be receiving much needed items while protecting our country.

“This was a truly community effort and we are so proud to help our troops as they are there for us 24/7,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington BID. 

In the photos, Terry Hutchinson of Coppers and Mike Politano of Gibson’s help load up the hundreds of toiletries and other products that were collected.