Alpharetta First UMC Collects Cookies For U.S. Military
Cookie drive for U.S. military in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq
Alpharetta First United Methodist sets goal of 4 tons for Operation Oreo
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church is collecting four tons of Oreo cookies to send to the U.S. armed forces members serving in the Middle East and is asking for the community’s help. The cookie drive is part of the church’s annual Operation Oreo, which provides service members with a taste of home. It’s a simple way to say thank you to those who stand in harm’s way to protect our freedoms.
The Oreos will be sent to military chaplains in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait who will help distribute them to troops. The church has received requests for Oreos for more than 5,000 service members stationed in those countries.
Operation Oreo began in 2009 with a chance encounter between Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Don Martin and a young soldier aboard a plane. The soldier was returning from duty in Iraq. When Martin asked him what he missed most while away, the young man replied, without hesitation, “Oreos, Double Stuf!” Every summer since then, AFUMC has collected and shipped packages of Oreos to service men and women overseas.
Last year, the church collected 3.7 tons of the cookies, by far surpassing its goal of 2 tons. This year’s goal is four tons or 8,000 pounds.
The cookie drive began on June 1 and concludes on Sunday, June 28, when stacks of Oreo packages will surround the altar, the choir will perform patriotic music and military veterans will be honored during each of the church’s four Sunday worship services.
To participate in Operation Oreo and show your gratitude to our military, please drop off Oreo packages at Alpharetta Methodist by Friday, June 26. You may also place them at the altar onJune 28. Attach a thank you note to the cookie packages to ensure that service men and women will know how much they’re appreciated.
Alpharetta Methodist is located at 69 North Main Street in downtown Alpharetta. Oreos may be dropped off on Sunday mornings, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about Operation Oreo at www.afumc.org/oreo or by calling 770-475-5576.