A group of volunteers gathered at the Vevay American Legion post on Saturday morning to pack boxes of goodies and other items for local soldiers who are currently serving in the Middle East.
The American Legion currently has the names of 12 Switzerland County soldiers who are in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and other areas; and on Saturday the volunteers packed 36 boxes – three for each soldier – and all will be delivered in time for the Christmas season.
Mailing packages to the troops has been ongoing throughout the war in Iraq, but it has been especially important during the Christmas season, when soldiers think of home and family.
In addition to the packages that were prepared on Saturday morning, the local Cub Scout troop also fixed and mailed 10 packages to troops.
All of the items that went into the boxes were donated by local organizations and individuals. Items included a range of things, from socks to canned foods to personal items. Each package also included some holiday items, including a small fiber optic Christmas Tree.
“We just want our soldiers to know that all of us back home are thinking about them and praying for them, especially during the holidays,” organizer Rita Sullivan said. “Our troops need to know that we support them, and we are very appreciative of all of the items that were donated to fill the boxes, and also for the help in getting them all put together.”
She said that several groups also made monetary donations to help with the mailing costs of the packages.
This is the latest in the ongoing mailing of packages, so anyone who knows of a soldier who is currently in the Middle East, or who would like to donate time or items, should contact the American Legion at 427-9144.