Burt Sappenfield and Larry Miller established Operation Handwarmer to support U.S. troops stationed overseas. On Tuesday, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners proclaimed today as Operation Handwarmer Day.
Each year, Sappenfield, owner of Majestic Floor Care, LLC, and Miller, owner of CENTURY 21 Larry Miller Realty, collect a variety of items, including hand warmers, gloves, bath towels, and protein bars, which are delivered to soldiers in 72 countries worldwide. Sappenfield said over the years, the charity has collected more than 150,000 items.
Today, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., donations can be dropped off in front of the Evans Walmart. Employees have also set up displays of needed items in various locations throughout the store.
“We want to make it easy for our citizens with a heart for our military to help warm the hands and hearts of our men and women in uniform,” he said. “Our troops are moving deeper into the dead of winter in harsh foreign environments every day, so we need to make this happen for them as quickly as possible.
Donations can also be purchased on the Amazon, Walmart, and Target websites and shipped directly to Operation Handwarmer c/o CENTURY 21 Larry Miller Realty, located at 235 North Belair Road in Evans. They can be dropped off at that location as well.
“It is easy for everyone to participate,” Miller said. “These men and women are putting everything on the line for our country, so I think the least we can do is show them we care in a tangible, meaningful way.”
The charity will hold a packing party Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the American Legion in Evans. The next day, Sappenfield will take all items collected to Savannah, where they will be shipped on a military plane. For more information or to see a complete list of needed items, visit operationhandwarmerus.com/.
