Copyright © 2015-2019 Adopt A Soldier-Door County

August 3rd, 2019

Eight times a year, Adopt A Soldier-Door County ships about 100 "care packages" to Door and Kewaunee County men and women serving in the military.  These care packages are filled with a wide variety of items such as snacks, candy, energy drinks, personal care items, small puzzles and board games, Door County-related items, handmade items, and other things they have requested.  The goal is to let them know they are appreciated and cared for while they are serving us far from their families and friends.  Youth from local schools and organizations include hand-written notes of thanks to them.

Donations and sales at he fundraiser help offset the cost of additional requested items and the huge shipping costs.  Shipping for each of the care packages costs the group about $20 to send via the U.S. Postal Service.  The cost of all the donated items is covered by local supporters and national and local companies like Hershey's, Smarties, Jelly Belly, Wienke's Market, Old Bolts Car Club, Albanese Confections, Old Wisconsin, sports groups, and many more.

Founding member Nancy Hutchinson began the group in 2008 for a young man who was a student at Sevastopol High School and had joined the Marines.  Matt Olson was friend with one of Nancy's sons and like a third son to the family.  They wanted him to know how much they loved him and appreciated all that he was doing for not only our community but for our country.  They began sending him regular "care packages" of wished-for and needed items.  From that simple beginning, Adopt A Soldier-Door County was born.  As others learned what she was doing, the word spread and began to include many other men and women from the county.

Adopt A Soldier-Door County is a tax-exempt 501©3 organization, and everyone involved with the group is a volunteer.

For more information, see their Facebook page (AdoptASoldierDoorCounty)

An All-You-Can-Eat pancake breakfast featuring local items, numerous silent auction items, and music performed by local musicians are just some of the features of this year's fundraiser for Adopt A Soldier-Door County at the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department on Saturday, August 3rd!

The fundraiser day's events start at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast at the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department on Nebraska St.  This is an AYCE (All You Can Eat) meal including pancakes with butter and maple syrup, Seaquist Orchard cherries, eggs, Bley's homemade sausage, fresh fruit, orange juice, and milk, all served with a bottomless cup of coffee or water.  Breakfast will be served until 11:00 a.m., and costs just $8 per person ages 5 and up.

For those looking for good music, the day starts off early with locals Cristy Christensen and John Iverson (Walking Each Other Home) playing and singing long-time favorite songs. Then at 9 a.m., Door County's own Last Man Standing offers their own fresh feel for bluegrass, folk and fun music. You'll be laughing and singing along with both groups' lively tunes!

At 9:30 a.m. sharp, local vocalist Sara Lautenbach returns again to lead the singing of the National Anthem. Then the American Flag will be posted by members of Weber-Tess Amvets Post 51 of Sturgeon Bay.

here will also be opportunities to fund pre-filled care packages, purchase Adopt A Soldier caps and tee shirts, can koozies, and other items.  If you purchase two Adopt A Boxes, you will get a free, quality cooler while supplies last!  You can also make a tax-deductible donation; Adopt A Soldier-Door County is a 501c3 organization.