NORWICH – Chenangoites will have a unique opportunity to spread the Christmas spirit overseas this weekend and help the men and women still deployed in war-torn Afghanistan, who are in short supply of life’s bare necessities. Theresa Crossman of Norwich will be taking collections of non-perishable foods and hygienic supplies, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside her barn at 6332 County Road 32, where she will be operating a donations table. Whether or not individuals agree with the U.S.’s war in the Middle East, Crossman’s Christmas care packages are an appropriate chance for any American to extend compassion to their fellows suffering overseas, who themselves hold little sway over the government’s foreign policies.

Crossman and her husband recently bought a house just outside of Norwich after a long search for a good community to retire in. “I thought this would be a great way to reach out to the community,” she said.

Even though the war in Afghanistan has slipped in and out of the public’s attention, American men and women are still embroiled in America’s longest war, which has already lasted 11 years. Though the United States Armed Forces have had a presences on the ground in Afghanistan for over a decade now, there are still many troop locations deprived of the bare necessities. Many soldiers have been deployed almost nomadically, having to move frequently, and military officials have been reluctant to develop any infrastructure for the troops in temporary locations. With the protracted troop withdrawals, soldiers who are still being deployed are often finding themselves stationed in 12-man teams, scattered throughout the Afghan wilderness.