DCTC to Give Care Packages to Deployed Red Bulls

 wanted to try something new this year by sending out care packages to members of deployed Red Bulls with the

The college collected items such as games, nonperishable snacks and magazines for two weeks at the beginning of December. 

"Our collection boxes filled up three or four times. It was a really good turnout," said Nicole Meulemans, director of DCTC's Student Life and Activities. "We're always looking for extra things to do and we really wanted to do something for the Rosemount National Guard. We were truly thinking of ways to directly impact people in our community."

Anna Voight, Student Life and Activities intern, said they narrowed down what they were collecting after speaking to student veterans on campus. 

"We gained input from them and asked what they'd want [if they were deployed], or what items would be most useful," Voight said. "They said games reminded them of home."

The packages will be sent in late January, according to Voight. They wanted to make sure the packages were sent after Christmas, when packages to deployed military personnel may have slowed. 

Meulemans was able to get a name of a sergeant through the city's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee to send the packages to overseas. The sergeant will be responsible for dispersing the items to his unit.

Voight said the project "highly exceeded" her expectations, and that they received a lot more donations than she thought they would.

"I was extremely impressed with how the DCTC community supported the event and donated," Voight said.

"My favorite part was being able to help the local National Guard, which is the most special part of this project," Meulemans said. "Sometimes you don't know where things will be going, and this way we know it will be going to someone local and that they'll know we're all supporting them back home."

DCTC is one of four Minnesota States Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) that have been designated as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campus. The school received its designation by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty two years ago. 

"We use several program areas and expertise to help out military personnel and their families," Meulemans said. "Anytime we do anything with veterans or military personnel we always have a good turnout."

"DCTC really takes pride in honoring veterans and military personnel," Voight said.