Even in challenging times, the businesses and residents of the Washington area came through in a big way for the annual Washington Business Improvement District’s Operation Jersey Cares holiday season collection for troops.

Nearly all WBID businesses participated, as well as many other local businesses, as dozens of boxes were filled with a variety of personal care and food items for our troops.

“Just a sensational and heart-warming effort,” said Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the WBID. “It just goes to show you that even when things are tough people come through. Kudos to the entire community.” 

The collection began in mid-November and concluded on Dec. 24. In all, 67 boxes of items were delivered via a Smith Motors van to Operation Jersey Cares for distribution to the troops. 

Gibson’s Fitness Center led the effort this year by a huge margin to capture the “Top Collector Award.” Gibson’s has now been the top collector for four of the past five years (finishing second the other year). 

Visions Federal Credit Union collected the second most boxes, closely followed by Copper’s Salon and Fliegauf’s Jewelers. The WBID office was also in the Top 5.

“The real winners are the troops,” said Thiel, noting that they will be receiving packages while protecting our country.

“We are so proud to help our troops as they are there for us 24/7,” said Thiel. “We owe them so much. This is really just a small token of our appreciation.”