Club raises money for troops armor

By Amanda Bittle, Staff Writer

Community members with penchants for sweets can indulge their senses while supporting U.S. troops overseas on Nov. 1 and 2.

OCCC College Democrats will host a bake sale to purchase body armor both days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Main Building, said club president Elizabeth Aven.

Bake Sales for Body Armor is a national movement that raises money to purchase body armor for overseas troops, Aven said.

She said many soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan lack side and deltoid plates for their body armor.

“There are men and women over [in Iraq and Afghanistan] who are fighting for us, and they don’t have what they need,” Aven said.

“Whether or not you support the war, you should care that these people (need our help).”

A Montana woman whose husband is stationed in Iraq with the U.S. Army and an Iraq war veteran from Virginia founded the pro-ject, Aven said.

The Nov. 1 and 2 sale will feature both homemade baked goods and buttons, Aven said.

The project has raised almost $13,000 nationwide, according to www.bakesalesforbodyarmor.com.

Twenty-five armor sets have been purchased, and 18 soldiers have received various other items such as medical supplies and communications gear.

“We’re not going out there to promote our club or the Democratic party,” Aven said.

“We’re not saying anything about the war. It’s about [the soldiers], and it’s about saving lives.”

If people wish to support the cause but are unable to attend the sale, Aven said, donations can be made though club sponsor Dana Tuley-Williams, systems librarian.

Checks payable to Bake Sales for Body Armor can be sent to:
Dana Tuley-Williams, systems librarian, College Democrats sponsor, 7777 S. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73159.

Staff Writer Amanda Bittle can be reached at StaffWriter3@occc.edu.