Hometown Hero Operation S.O.S.
By: John Clay
Updated: November 8, 2012
As a veteran, Gary Clare knows that sometimes, there's no better gift for a servicemember overseas than a care package. 9 years ago, he decided to continue that idea with Operation S.O.S. It's a volunteer effort he coordinates out of Smith Furniture in Blair County.
Area residents are encouraged to drop off any number of things that can be boxxed up and shipped to a servicemember in Afghanistan. That includes food, snacks, toiletries, cards and thank-you notes. This is a crucial time for the operation with so many soldiers away for the holidays.
The Blair Chamber of Commerce recently honored Clare and Operation S.O.S in the Hall of Fame Awards. And we recognize him as a Hometown Hero.
Smith Furniture along route 764 in Duncansville is a main drop off point. Other spots include Ace Hardware in Duncansville, First Commonwealth Bank along 3rd Ave. in Duncansville, Gem's Styling Salon in Roaring Spring, The Flower Connection in Claysburg, the Logan Township Municipal Building, any Altoona First Savings Bank, Professional Auto Body in Duncansville and 1st Summit Bank in the Altoona Walmart.
