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(Song: I Am America by Krista Branch)

Since 2001, the Auxiliary of Warsaw American Legion Post 49 has been sending care packages to local troops serving abroad. As always, the women gather sometimes several times each week to sort through donations and prepare the packages for shipping.

Today, the Auxiliary members are hoping to gain awareness of their program. Not only are they hoping the public will support our troops by donating items to be shipped to local men and women, they also hope to add more names to the list of recipients.

Cindy Peters is the executive chairwoman for the Unit 49 Auxiliary. She said that the project started approximately 5 years ago under the direction of former member Tina Williams who had a son stationed in Diego Garcia, Island. “For most of us today, it’s our children and grandchildren who are serving,” said Peters. “We’re now sending packages to our soldiers in Afghanistan, but we’ve sent them to Kuwait and other places, too. They love getting stuff from home.”

The “stuff” the Auxiliary women need the most for the troops are snacks — protein bars, packages of cheese and crackers, beef jerky, nuts — that they can put into their pockets and take with them. Pork products, however, are illegal to send.

Also needed are personal items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, non-aerosal deodorants, lip balms, feminine products, wet wipes (no liquid hand sanitizer is permitted), small bottles of shampoos and lotions. Even items such as magazines, puzzle books and cards are appreciated.

To package the goods, the Auxiliary is also asking for donations of popcorn tins. Usually found around the holidays, the tins are necessary to protect the food from mice that sometimes get into the building.

Donations can be dropped off anytime during the legion’s operating hours. Peters said those who would like to drop off items should place them inside the Main Street entrance doors at the top of the stairs. They prefer that donors alert the bartender about any donations left.

To have a local soldier added to the list of recipients for care packages, email Peters at [email protected]. Those who submit names must provide a name and phone number for a contact person for the soldier. Peters said that way the group can keep in contact to find out what special requests the soldier may have.

Financial donations to continue with the project are also much appreciated. Peters said each package sent costs between $40 and $45. Since the start of the program, it is estimated that more than $11,500 worth of supplies have been sent to our local soldiers who are deployed.

Financial donations may also be accepted at the Warsaw American Legion Post 49 at the corner of North Buffalo and Main streets in downtown Warsaw. Those donations need to be designated specifically for the care package program. For information on how to donate, email Peters.