Local club spreads cheer overseas

Essential items sought for Louisiana soldiers

Christmas is the time of the year that most people get to spend spreading cheer and reminiscing with family and friends, but for thousands of soldiers overseas, that is not a possibility.

In order to spread some cheer to those serving our country, the Ladies Auxiliary and VFW Post 3750 of Luling adopted a local unit and will send all the members care packages. Items included in the care packages are things that many take for granted, such as deodorant, toothpaste and shaving cream.

"Even though soldiers are serving overseas and may not agree with why they are there, they still have duties to perform and need reminders that they still have our love and support across the miles," Donna Guice, a member of the VFW, said. "The care packages are reminders of home, which is great for morale boosting and very much appreciated by the receiving soldiers.

Guice, who comes from a military family, said that collecting and sending these items gives soldiers’ families a much-needed break during the holidays.

"It allows them to focus on their family here by knowing that their soldiers are taken care of," she said.

Guice said the soldiers also love receiving handmade cards and letters, especially from children.

"As military veterans and family members of military veterans, the VFW Post members understand the importance of the needed support," Guice said. "Soldiers and their family members make so many sacrifices. By enlisting the community support, it is everyone’s way of thanking them for their services to our country and for protecting our rights and freedoms that we continue to enjoy today."

Items needed include:
•Socks
•Caps
•Gloves
•Lip balm
•Disposable razors
•Soap
•Body wash
•Foot powder
•Deodorant
•Toothpaste and toothbrushes
•Shaving cream/gel
•Crackers, peanuts, nuts, chips, hard candy, beef jerky
•Q-tips
•Candy (no chocolate, gummy or taffy)
•Toilet tissue
•Mouthwash
•Dental floss
•Newspapers, books and magazines
•Shampoo and conditioner

The gift packages will arrive in time for Christmas.

Items to be donated may be dropped off at one of these locations; at Thrift Village Pharmacy in Luling, Majoria’s Supermarket in Boutte, the West Regional Library in Luling and the Paradis Library.

Additionally, monetary donations towards shipping cost of the boxes is being collected at the Capital One Bank in Luling.

The deadline for item collection is Nov. 25.