Aunt Cathy Praino & Senator Jeff Klein Send Holiday Packages to Troops

Bronx, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx, Westchester) joined Aunt Cathy Praino, a community leader well known for her dedication to the troops, to bundle a holiday mailing to our men and women abroad, on Thursday.

Praino, who lost her nephew, Army Sergeant Christian Engeldrum while he served the country in Afghanistan, has bundled close to 5,000 care packages for troops overseas.  She recently mailed another set of packages with the help of Senator Klein, who assisted with mailing costs and made his district office a drop-off center for supplies.

“These holiday packages are a small token of gratitude for our troops, who sacrifice their lives every day for our country,” said Senator Klein.  “We must continue to support and be thankful to our brave service men and women.”

“I’m doing this to let them know that they are not forgotten.  I’ve been doing this for the past 11 years in memory of my nephew Christian,” said Praino, describing her efforts, which began in honor of her nephew who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2004. “Thank you Senator Klein for helping the troops, and thank you to all the others who participated.”

She’s become known as “Aunt Cathy” to troops who receive her care packages. Inside the boxes, she provides necessities such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, deodorant, socks, under skirts, energy bars, and more. Praino also partners with the American Legion Post #253.