Operation Care Package rolls

The noise was deafening and traffic was delayed for a short time, but the hearts and souls of everyone causing all the commotion were brimming with generosity.

In support of our troops, Britt Motor Sports hosted a fundraising motorcycle ride Sunday afternoon to raise money in its efforts to support Operation Care Package. The ride included a stop aboard Camp Lejeune and included a victory lap around the John A. Lejeune statue at the end of Holcomb Boulevard.

About 250 motorcyclists gathered at the Jacksonville motor sports business to participate in the run, and they donated more than $2,500, all of which will be used to purchase much needed supplies for troops deployed all over the Middle East.

Britt Motor Sports owner, Scott Britt, got involved with Operation Care Package after he started e-mailing a Marine who had come in to look at some of the motorcycles at Britt's Wilmington store.

"He came in to the store and got all excited looking at all the motorcycles - he even wanted his picture taken with him sitting on several of them," Britt explained.

"We got into a conversation, and he talked about being in Baghdad and Iraq and, before he left, we exchanged e-mails. We started e-mailing each other and I asked him if there was anything he needed over there that I could help him out with. Well, I have to tell you, it took him a couple weeks to respond back, but when he did, his response was humbling. The stuff on his list was nothing but basic necessities! I printed the e-mail out and showed it around to my employees and we were all shocked at what all they need. So, we all decided we wanted to take some part of Christmas to them ...."

The company also plans to buy some phone cards to send.

Items on the wish list include: paperback books with games like Sudoku and crossword puzzles; cards; video games; Gold Bond medicated powder; Dr. Scholl's foot power; books; DVD's; CD's; beef jerky; hot Slim Jims; sunflower seeds; candy that will not melt; and sport drink mixes to add to bottled water.

Britt says he has 100 employees, and they have all been behind the effort and all agreed to volunteer their time to help with Sunday's event. He also said the corporate community he has approached has also generously contributed with items like 720 pairs of black cotton socks, 700 tubes of ChapStick, 400 toothbrushes, and T-shirts.

Britt organized the ride Sunday to try to get more people aware and involved.

"I thought if we could take this to the next level, spread the word further and get more community involvement, then more of our troops will know we care about them," Britt said. "These guys are heroes - we truly see them that way and believe in the saying, "Land of the free because of the brave."

Lance Cpls. Scott Lawrence and Chris Stillings took part in the ride and explained how important Operation Care Package was to them.

"It means so much to us; it's such a morale booster, it's hard to put it into words," Lawrence explained.

Stillings added: "Everyone looks forward to mail day, it's like Christmas to us."

Caroline Watkins, who heads up Britt's advertising department, has been a key contributor to the entire fundraiser, helping with corporate donations and organizing the Sunday event, Britt said.

She did not want to talk as much about her contributions. Instead, she focused on Britt and his generosity.

"Scott has always been a great supporter of the community, not just at the holiday but throughout the year," Watkins explained. "We have adopted families, worked to help Wounded Warriors and Rolling Thunder in which he is a member and Toys for Tots. Next Sunday we will be right back here doing a toy run for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. He's one of the most giving men as you'll ever meet, he's all heart. And, he is most appreciative of what these men and women do for us," she emphasized.

Anyone wishing to contribute supplies or make a monetary donation to Operation Care Package can drop by Britt Motor Sports in Jacksonville, Wilmington or New Bern or call Caroline at 888-428-4428 with questions. Britt and Thread FX in Hampstead will accept donations through Nov. 25.

Go to www.operationcarepackage.org for more information on Operation Care Package.

Contact Topsail area reporter Suzanne Ulbrich at sulbrich@freedomenc.com or 910-328-3033.