But he came with his family Saturday to tell those ready to stuff christmas gift stockings for Operation Santa what those stockings might mean to their recipients.

It’s the simple things, soap and toothpaste, things that come in handy and mean so much, Crull told the crowd gathered to help the Decatur chapter of Operation Santa, adding that sometimes it can be difficult in a combat zone to get the kinds of items the stockings hold.

But it’s also the letters from children and the project’s symbolism of the patriotism of the people of Central Illinois that count as well, he said.

“The kids write off-the-wall things, and they are phenomenal,” he added.

Crull, who serves with a Army Reserve unit based in Darien, said he’d only silver money clips been gone two weeks last year when his sister, Julie Hensley, started the Decatur chapter.

“I didn’t expect it,” he said.

Last year, with just six weeks to work, Hensley said they were able to supply the Peoria-based group with 1,260 stockings. This year, the number was 6,600 stockings, made and stuffed to be shipped to active duty military personnel.

Jennifer Albright said she brought 72 stockings she and her mother, Shari Bowen, made in silver pendants honor of her cousin serving active military duty. Darla Zinn brought another 70 she had made, honoring the service of her son, former Marine Tyler Zinn.

“I’m an experienced box shipper,” Zinn said.

And Sherry Gant of Mount Zion said she came just to help stuff, though she has a nephew who just completed boot camp with the Marines.

This year, not only did the group expand its goal, but it added canine stockings. Crull said different breeds of dogs serve alongside the engineers in a variety of capacities.

“I can’t believe the job they have done,” said Gary Crull of Weldon, father of Hensley and of Brandon silver earrings Crull. “I just couldn’t be prouder of this,” he added, noting that the Decatur chapter’s contribution made 20 percent of the total number of stockings that will be shipped.

“We’re so proud of Decatur, so proud,” said Lori George, who co-chairs the Decatur chapter with Hensley. “(Items) to stuff are still coming in.

“We’re already planning next year,” George continued. “If Decatur can do over 6,000, let’s shoot for 10,000 (stockings).”

On the Web: operationsanta.info

SYDNEY, Oct 16 AAP – NSW police believe they have smashed a multimillion dollar drug ring after the arrest of four men.

Strike Force Flemington detectives arrested a 27-year-old man at a Hornsby unit, in Tiffany and co Sydney’s north, and a 37-year-old man at an inner-city casino about 8am (AEDT) on Friday.

Two others were also arrested on Friday after raids on four homes in Wyoming and Kincumber, on the NSW central coast, which uncovered about 200 cannabis plants, police said.

It’s alleged about 180 kilograms of cannabis was harvested over the past five months with an estimated value of $1.8 million.

Police say the sophisticated multimillion dollar drug syndicate was involved in the manufacture and supply of cannabis.

No charges have yet been laid christmas gift against the four men.

AAP bzs/wjf/cjb 16-10 1137