For the third year in a row, Westwood Family Chiropractic is collecting a variety of items to send to soldiers overseas in exchange for free sessions.

Since 2009, husband and wife chiropractors Jett and Cathy Gurman have worked with Adopt A Platoon, a soldier support effort organization.

“What they do, is they are kind of the liaison between the military and the civilians who wish to help provide necessary items that help the soldiers both male and female receive kind of care packages,” Jett Gurman explained.

Adopt A Platoon has several locations across Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of the climate in these areas, the organization requests nonperishable items for donations, including hygienic products, magazines, newspapers, books, board games and healthy pocket snacks such as protein bars, nuts, seeds and dried fruits and snacks.

“We collect everything from insect repellent to sunscreen,” Gurman said. “Basically anything that will help boost the soldiers’ morale.”

He said some people have even written the soldiers letters or sent them cards to thank them for all the work they do for this country.

“We collect anything that lets them know that people back here kind of acknowledge them and let them know they haven’t been forgotten,” Gurman said.

Gurman’s practice offers an incentive for his patients and other community members to donate items. Each person who donates receives a free session.

“As health care providers we try to serve the community and we felt that one of the ways of serving our community is a way to give back and acknowledge those folks that put their lives on the line every day for us and also to give back to our own community by an exchange for anyone in the community who donates items to allow area residents to come in and receive a complimentary visit,” he said.

When the Gurmans searched for a military organization to work with a few years ago, they were immediately drawn to Adopt A Platoon.

“When we heard of the organization, it struck a chord with us,” Gurman said. “It’s something we felt we could get behind and support, and we’ve had tremendous support from our patients as well as the community.”

Last year, Westwood Family Chiropractic collected enough donations to ship more than 30 boxes to military personnel.

“We know that with the economic climate today it’s not always easy for people to give much more than they already are but we anticipate to at least surpass last year’s collection,” Gurman said.

The campaign at Westwood Family Chiropractick kicked off July 4 and will run through Aug. 5.

Westwood Family Chiropractic is located at 99 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood. Call 201-664-4488 for more information.

FULL STORY