On Saturday,Operation Touch of Home will be holding a Poker Run to raise money to aid in their quest to support troops abroad.

The all-volunteer organization collects basic necessities to send to deployed troops."We found that many of our military men and women serving overseas often lack access to the most basic day-to-day needs," said Maria Augustino-Bentzoni of Operation touch of Home in Monroe County. "We recently received an email from a lieutenant in a forward unit telling us that they have no access to a PX or other store where they could obtain soap, shampoo or snacks."The poker run, which is sponsored by the American Legion Riders Chapter 927 of Gilbert, will take place Saturday. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert. The ride starts at 11:45 a.m.Riders who register for the poker run will be sent to different locations to collect playing cards and will then return to the Legion, where the three top hands will win prizes.Augustino-Bentzoni said those without motorcycles can participate as well. The registration fees vary depending on date of registration and number of people registering per vehicle. Check the Operation Touch of Home, Monroe County PA Facebook page for details.Food will be served and the cost is included in the registration fee. Chris Eckert will be performing at the Legion from 2-4 p.m.Operation Touch of Home was started in 2004. The organization has a GI's shopping list and has two major shopping events per year to collect necessities for the troops. Other fundraising events, like the poker run are used to raise funds to cover the cost of shipping the items and to purchase items not donated, but still needed."We have a collection box at the American Legion throughout the year to collect items," Augustino-Bentzoni said. "We can also accept donations made out to: OTOH, Monroe County, PA.