CARMEL – Thousands of members of the military serving overseas regularly receive care packages from home thanks to an organization known as United for the Troops.
The not-for-profit, founded by Jim and the late Patty Rathschmidt, believes that young men and women serving our nation should not go one day without the simple things of life.
“We support these brave military personnel by sending them parcels they miss most while deployed,” said Jim Rathschmidt.
United for the Troops began when the Rathschmidt’s late son, Luke, was deployed in Iraq. “Sending our son a few care packages at a time meant so much to him” said Rathschmidt. “While we began as a mom and pop’s journey, thanks to our marvelous volunteers, we have grown tremendously.”
Patti Rathschmidt, who died last year, once described the couple’s journey as joyful, saying, “It brings us such joy knowing that our military men and women are receiving a box filled with letters and cards along with snacks and toiletries from home. Our volunteers are our real heroes because United for the Troops couldn’t exist without them.”
Jim Rathschmidt said during the next two months 1,000 boxes will be shipped.
Since its inception, United for the Troops has shipped 40,000 boxes to service members.
Now, United for the Troops is seeking a new home.
After nearly 20 years at 34 Gleneida Avenue in Carmel, the former Putnam Motors building currently owned by Putnam County, the organization must relocate since the county is considering either demolishing the structure to create green space or repurpose the building.
Rathschmidt said the organization needs 2,000 square feet of space to operate.
“It would be ideal to remain in the Carmel-Mahopac area but anywhere in Putnam County will suffice,” he said.
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