WESTFIELD -- Area college student Jillian Battles and a crowd of helpers gathered at Elm Electrical on the morning of Nov. 22 to stuff 800 “Bags for Bravery,” destined for area troops and veterans.

For the fifth year in a row, Jillian and a team of devoted volunteers assembled care packages for active duty service members and veterans through her self-started initiative. What began as a small personal project when she was a freshman at Westfield High School has grown into a community-supported effort generating thousands of donated items over the years—including toiletries, books, warm clothing accessories, snacks, and other comfort items meant to remind military members that they are appreciated, said Elm Electrical Outreach Coordinator Holly Lurgio.

The bags are filled with snacks, gam

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