NAHANT — It’s official, Operation Troop Support in Nahant was a major success, according to Esther Johnson, president of the American Legion Auxiliary.

After dispersing donation boxes for troops stationed overseas, with boxes left inside places like the town hall, the library, as well as the police and fire stations, the organization accumulated $5,000 worth of donations of clothing, supplies, and checks to help out the troops however the town can.

Johnson shared her gratitude for the town coming together to support the military, and how moved she was by all the participation.

“Firstly, I want to thank the members of American Legion Auxiliary in particular. They were awesome, and everybody involved loved working with Johnson Elementary School student council,” Johnson said. “And, of course, thank you to everyone that donated, it was a great success.”

Johnson credited the student council for their immediate support for the project, where they were able to generate awareness in the student body, and consequently, their friends and families, about the importance of the cause.

A few of the most-requested items by troops were toiletries like shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and Band-Aids, as well as socks, playing cards and paperback novels.

After gathering up supplies and checks donated to send overseas, retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Dick Moody came to town to collect the donations. Moved by all the help from residents, he expressed his gratitude for everyone who pitched in.

“We at Operation Troop Support are absolutely thrilled with the friendship and patriotism from the town of Nahant. Our troops are very fortunate to have such a giving community,” Moody said.

Moody continued, “And I especially want to thank the wonderful women in Nahant’s American Legion Auxiliary for all the work they do for our troops and veterans.”