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Boxes headed to the troops

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 2, 2009

SOUTH TAMPA - Each month, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 139 sends 25 CARE boxes to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The American Legion, SAL and Auxiliary Post 139 pack and prepare the boxes and pay the postage. All supplies are donated by members of American Legion, Auxiliary, senior ladies groups and through private donations.

Gail Hayes is chairman of this project. She and her team, which meets monthly to perform this job, have increased the CARE boxes from the initial three to the current 25 a month.

It takes more than four hours to pack the boxes and load them into Hayes' car for the mailing. Each box helps 10 to 15 people, including women. The most requested items are baby wipes, socks, razors, soap, snacks and whatever the troops can fit into backpacks when traveling.
Boxes also are sent to K-9 Units, for handlers and for dogs.

At Christmas, the number of boxes doubles. Items sent include Christmas trees, ornaments, lights with batteries, and special treats. Holiday items must be sent one month in advance, so preparations begin in November.

Volunteers are welcome to help with the packing, and donations are accepted gratefully.

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