Wednesday, January 18 2012
By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA -- Some groups collect cookies, clothes and toiletries for U.S. soldiers.
In Ybor City, they collect cigars.
"The guys overseas got to know that they are appreciated by the people back home," said Robert Alorda, a founder of the Ybor City Cigars for Soldiers program.
"They need something to remind them of home," Alorda said.
Tuesday night, a group of volunteers met at the Ybor City Development Corp. office, 2015 E. 7th Ave., and packed around 2,000 donated cigars.
Volunteers placed three cigars and a note about the program in a clear plastic bag. The cigars will be shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, Alorda said.
Last year, Alorda and some others were discussing what could be sent to the troops. Someone said cookies. As he smoked a cigar, he suggested sending the troops cigars. The organization was quickly formed and 1,800 cigars were collected in the first year.
Mr. Girona's article continues at www2.tbo.com...
