Kent youth write hundreds of letters to troops overseas

Youth ranging in ages from 5 to 14 wrote 529 letters to troops stationed overseas as part of the Torklift Central Stuff the RV fund-raiser.

Rick Shafer and Jack Kay award Scott Schreiber the First Place People's Choice award

Rick Shafer and Jack Kay award Scott Schreiber the First Place People's Choice award

Youth ranging in ages from 5 to 14 wrote 529 letters to troops stationed overseas as part of the Torklift Central Stuff the RV fund-raiser.

“We received 529 letters from the Kent School District and they included hand-drawn pictures to heartfelt messages thanking troops for their service,” said Rick Shafer. Torklift Central RV manager . “We also collected more than 400 pounds of food, roughly 100 books, 312 magazines, nearly 1,000 games and countless hygiene care packages on Saturday.”

Torklift Central will continue collecting items for troops overseas, including letters through the end of next week. To donate, stop by the 917 Central Ave. South location in Kent.

The company also raised $455 for sending the package overseas. All the donations will be sent to Soldier’s Angels, a non-profit group dedicated to sending care packages to troops stationed in various countries overseas.

“As part of the Stuff the RV event, we held our first car and motorcycle show,” said Jack Kay, vice president of operations. “We awarded cash and trophies to the top three people’s choice winners. We actually wound up with ties for first place and second place so we went ahead and awarded five people.”

First place was a tie between Scott Schreiber and his 1974 Vega and John Eldridge and his 1966 Chevrolet Malibu. They each received $300 and a trophy. Second place was tied between Mark Takisaki and his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and Jack and Bobbi Berg and their 1956 MGA. They each won $100 and trophies. Third place went to Daniel Holt and his 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle.

“A few of the winners donated their cash winnings to Soldier’s Angels,” said Shafer. “It was an inspiring event and over 300 people attended. We look forward to hosting the event next year.”

For more information about Soldier’s Angels or to donate, call Torklift Central RV at 253.299.0076.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
King County executive will nominate replacements for Upthegrove

District 5, which includes parts of Kent, will get new representative on County Council in January

t
SeaTac man, 21, fatally shot in vehicle in Kent on West Hill

Someone ran up and fired multiple shots into vehicle Nov. 21 at Veterans Drive and Military Road

Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, in Covington, remained without power Thursday morning, Nov. 21, according to Puget Sound Energy. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Kent schools remain closed due to windstorm damage, power outages

Second consecutive day of closures Thursday, Nov. 21 across the Kent School District

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire calls windstorm ‘one for the ages’

Agency responds to 308 calls in 12-hour period, including 245 for storm-related issues

Crews clear trees from State Route 18, which the Washington State Patrol closed in both directions Wednesday, Nov. 20, from Issaquah Hobart to I-90 over Tiger Mountain because of fallen trees during a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Patrol
Windstorm closes Kent schools, roads due to fallen trees

Many without power in areas of Kent and beyond

t
“Prolific” vehicular theft suspect arrested in Renton

Kent man holds 13 prior convictions and 41 arrests.

tt
Green Kent volunteer program wraps up season at city park

Volunteers remove invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park

t
Copper-wire thieves damage Kent Senior Center roof refrigeration unit

Facility temporarily loses commercial kitchen refrigerator but staff, community keep meals going

t
16-year-old girl dies in Covington single-car crash

Teen was driving when car crashed into a tree Nov. 15 along SE 256th Street just east of Kent

t
Kent Police Blotter: Oct. 24-Nov. 7

Incidents include carjacking, juvenile fight, stolen vehicle pursuit

t
State Patrol catches a pair of motorcycles going over 100 mph on I-5

See a video of their arrest. Agency uses air surveillance to pursue from Federal Way to Renton