Home-cooked meal to support troops a hit

A recent committee meeting followed by a dinner sparked Operation Troop Support's successful fund-raiser.

Committee member Dorothy Points made her famous chicken and dumplings for the group, and they decided many people in the community would pay to eat such a good meal. Strong family ties with the military helped influence Points to volunteer and get busy making dumplings.

Along with committee members, Points enlisted the help of Trinity Lutheran Church kitchen committee Mabel Shrum, Sandra Fluege, Elodine Englemann, Beverly Lewis, and Maurice and Marie Lange. Combined with the help of VFW club manager Pete Rhodes, the event served more than 300 people and raised more than $3,800.

Operation Troop Support is working in conjunction with the National Guard Armory 1140th Engineer Battalion to discover the specific needs of troops serving in Iraq.

In addition to helping families experiencing hardships, the committee intends to supply items unattainable to them abroad.

The popularity of the dumplings has spurred an additional opportunity for dumpling lovers.

The volunteer group is holding an ongoing sale of frozen dumplings in gallon bags.

"We will not quit this service project until our service people come home," Points said.

Dumpling orders may be placed by calling Rodger Brown at 334-4991, Leslie Riney at 332-7711 or Dorothy Points at 334-2016.

Future fund-raisers are in the planning stages. Donations to Operation Troop Support may be mailed to P.O. Box 840, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702.