American Legion Post 304 of Jim Thorpe began collecting donation for troops overseas in early December. According to Cindy Kmetz, Post 304 president, the donations started by the simple act of handing out fliers in front of Walmart.

“When customers came out they would give us the items that they were donating.”With the monetary donations received from the public, American Legion Post 304 and a $250 gift card from Thrivent Financial, Kmetz was able to buy a few last-minute items for the soldiers.“With all the donations we were able to send a total of 29 care packages. We created two giant care packages with everything from daily essentials like ChapStick, soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, female products, to food like beef jerky and microwaveable meals. Comfort items like books, pens, pencils, and DVDs were included. We even remembered the canine troops and sent dog treats.”The packages shipped in early January to two bases. Auxiliary member Judy Doolittle’s nephew, Josh Guth, who is stationed overseas in the Air Force, received one of the large shipments.Doolittle’s family friend Laureen Guth’s son, Mark Miller from Weatherly, received the second box. Miller is currently deployed overseas with the Navy.“We sent the care packages to them and they will disperse the items to their unit.”Kmetz said anyone may send care packages, “but you must make sure that the person is going to be stationed overseas for at least five months, since it does take awhile for the packages to be received.”Aerosol products are not to be included in any shipments. Custom papers for each box with every item inside must be listed and include the approximate weight and value of each packages. Flat rate boxes can be used for most care packages with a $2 discount for boxes shipped to military stations.“Projects like this would not be possible without a strong organization and a supportive community.”The Legion is always accepting donations for veterans and active duty troops. “The best way for people to help would be to contact your local veterans organizations such as the American Legion or a VFW,” Kmetz said.