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Legion's auxiliary members send care packages
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| Packing boxes: American Legion Ladies Auxiliary member Kay Eismon packs a box full of different items for deployed soldiers. (Adam Bernal/photo.) |
Adam Bernal/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Over the last several years, members of the local American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary have been raising funds and gathering materials to send hundreds of boxes of food and other items to help soldiers stationed in Iraq.
Since late 2006, ladies auxiliary members have received letters from soldiers and their families to help a specific soldier in need. The auxiliary receives information on the kinds of items each soldier would like and each box is sent to help brighten their day and raise morale while on duty.
Each box goes to a specific soldier to remind them of home. Common items found in the boxes include food and baked goods, bathroom items, Chapstick, pens, cards and magazines.
In a letter, Cpl. David Conser, a former St. David resident, states, "Thank you for your package. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate it. Sometimes the base shop does not have much and it is good to get some things from home. We have an important mission here. We escort supply convoys all over the country. I am 19 years old and from St. David. We have been here for over 10 months."
Melissa DiPeso, president of the American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary, said the group has sent nearly 300 boxes filled with items since November 2006. Since that time, DiPeso said they have sent a group of care packages each month that have added up to hundreds over time.
"All the troops have been very thankful, and we've gotten a lot of nice responses," DiPeso said.
DiPeso said their group has received many donations from the local community to help them send the boxes every month. Families, veterans and other groups have donated money and other items to help send boxes over the last two years, she said.
Ladies Auxiliary member Patricia Wilharm-Kenyon said she has known many people who have served in the military and wants to show her appreciation by helping to make soldiers' lives better.
"Over the years they have protected our shores, so it's the least I can do," Wilharm-Kenyon said.
Wilharm-Kenyon said taking the time to send a personal care package could help bring soldiers some cheer and lighten their load. There are times when soldiers overseas believe people at home aren't thinking of them and the packages are a way of showing people do care and appreciate what they do, she said.
Ladies Auxiliary member Audrey Palma is a longtime supporter of veterans and says she simply enjoys getting involved and helping any way she can.
"I just love doing it," Palma said. "Anything that has to do with veterans, I'm there."
To donate to the American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary, contact Melissa DiPeso at 586-2122 at DiPeso Realty and Appraisal, 251 West Fourth Street. Those interested in donating can also contact Ladies Auxiliary member Nancy Iverson at 586-3611.
Over the last several years, members of the local American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary have been raising funds and gathering materials to send hundreds of boxes of food and other items to help soldiers stationed in Iraq.
Since late 2006, ladies auxiliary members have received letters from soldiers and their families to help a specific soldier in need. The auxiliary receives information on the kinds of items each soldier would like and each box is sent to help brighten their day and raise morale while on duty.
Each box goes to a specific soldier to remind them of home. Common items found in the boxes include food and baked goods, bathroom items, Chapstick, pens, cards and magazines.
In a letter, Cpl. David Conser, a former St. David resident, states, "Thank you for your package. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate it. Sometimes the base shop does not have much and it is good to get some things from home. We have an important mission here. We escort supply convoys all over the country. I am 19 years old and from St. David. We have been here for over 10 months."
Melissa DiPeso, president of the American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary, said the group has sent nearly 300 boxes filled with items since November 2006. Since that time, DiPeso said they have sent a group of care packages each month that have added up to hundreds over time.
"All the troops have been very thankful, and we've gotten a lot of nice responses," DiPeso said.
DiPeso said their group has received many donations from the local community to help them send the boxes every month. Families, veterans and other groups have donated money and other items to help send boxes over the last two years, she said.
Ladies Auxiliary member Patricia Wilharm-Kenyon said she has known many people who have served in the military and wants to show her appreciation by helping to make soldiers' lives better.
"Over the years they have protected our shores, so it's the least I can do," Wilharm-Kenyon said.
Wilharm-Kenyon said taking the time to send a personal care package could help bring soldiers some cheer and lighten their load. There are times when soldiers overseas believe people at home aren't thinking of them and the packages are a way of showing people do care and appreciate what they do, she said.
Ladies Auxiliary member Audrey Palma is a longtime supporter of veterans and says she simply enjoys getting involved and helping any way she can.
"I just love doing it," Palma said. "Anything that has to do with veterans, I'm there."
To donate to the American Legion Post 45 Ladies Auxiliary, contact Melissa DiPeso at 586-2122 at DiPeso Realty and Appraisal, 251 West Fourth Street. Those interested in donating can also contact Ladies Auxiliary member Nancy Iverson at 586-3611.
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