Deli Sends 'Taste of Home' to Troops Overseas

During World War II, a Jewish kosher-style delicatessen in New York came up with the idea of sending care packages to U.S. troops fighting abroad.

Katz Deli wanted to show its support by sending packed salamis to the soldiers. To this day, it still uses the catchphrase: "Send a salami to your boy in the Army."

Inspired by the idea, Skokie businesswoman Bette Dworkin pondered how she could express her support for Americans fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her interest was further spurred after she saw a story about Chicago-born actor Gary Sinise's work on behalf of military families.

"I wanted to give back something to those who have been giving us freedom and peace," Dworkin told Skokie Patch.

So the co-owner of Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen--a Chicago institution in its own right--came up with "The Great Salami Drive."

The idea called for rounding up families, friends and businesses in the North Shore vicinity to raise enough money to send one-pound rolls of salami and other deli items to troops from Illinois who are deployed overseas.

Already, Kaufman's has ordered an initial 450 one-pound salamis to be shipped to the troops in the next three weeks. As a result of the June 11-12 fundraiser, more than 1,000 rolls are expected to be sent to troops.

Shoppers and supporters gave a minimum donation of $5, which is tax deductible, to buy a basket of goodies that includes the one-pound salami roll. Kaufman's deli is also donating bagel chips and its suppliers are providing mustard and pretzels.

The deli has teamed up with the United Service Organization (USO) of Illinois to facilitate events. The Operation Support Our Troops-America will be responsible for shipping the care packages.

For Mary Flemming, bakery manager at Kaufman's, volunteering for the event is not just about promoting the deli to the community. It's more personal.

Flemming has four nephews in either the Navy or Army, and one of them just returned from multiple deployments in Iraq.

“We’re sending ‘A Taste of Home’ to our soldiers who are overseas, away from family, and have given so much. It’s the least we can do,” Dworkin said in a press release.