Temple collects, mails items to soldiers overseas

Sol Goldstein has been collecting and mailing needed items to soldiers overseas for the last three years. As an active member of the Brotherhood of Temple B’nai Torah, head of its Social Action Committee and a veteran, Goldstein wanted to do something to support the troops and continues to send off items like shampoo, stationery, books, snacks, toothbrushes and more to military personnel.

“We’re getting a lot of donations,” said Goldstein. “I’ve got more material than I can handle, but I don’t have enough names.” He said the dilemma is that soldiers stationed in the Middle East do not have access to supermarkets like those stationed in Europe and Goldstein is having a difficult time obtaining specific names and addresses for people who could use a care package.

The Massapequa native said he has mailed about 40 packages since the donations began to accumulate more than three years ago. “I just felt that we owe our military people a token a gratitude,” he said.

Goldstein also served his country. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in December 1951. “I was scared,” he said. “Little skinny Jewish guys don’t go into the Marine Corps, but they made a man out of me. It was an experience I’ll never forget.” Then 20 years old, Goldstein spent ten weeks at boot camp before he was sent to North Caroline where he worked in ground air control and as a radio and radar technician. Goldstein is now retired, but when he emerged from the military in 1953, he put his skills to use and was a technician and manager at ABC for 25 years.

Goldstein has been recognizes by select temple services organizations for his on-going project.

If you know someone stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or the surrounding area who should receive a gift package, please send his/her information to Brotherhood, attn: Sol Goldstein, Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh, NY, 11793. There is no charge for this service. Goldstein added that monetary donations are also welcome and the funds will go toward needed items that were not received during the collection.

You can also call the temple at (516) 221-2370.