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Care packages keep up soldiers' spirits
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Womens auxiliary president Donna Douglas, left, and Carol Clark, right, pack boxes to send to deployed soldiers. Clark has been doing the care packages for about 10 years. (Times photo: Marissa Weiher)
MONROE - Cindy Sheldon, of Brodhead, said when her two sons were deployed, it was the care packages that made mail call the most important time of the day.

Not only did her care packages help her sons deal with being away from home, but they also shared with the rest of their unit when she started sending items in bulk.

"It's important because it's something from home and shows someone's thinking about them," Sheldon said.

Sheldon, along with the rest of the American Legion Auxiliary, packed about four, medium-sized boxes to send to soldiers overseas, including about 150 handwritten letters and cards thanking them for their service.

Also included in the packages are pocket flags. Donna Douglas, president of the Auxiliary, said a man from South Wayne approached her during Generosity Day and told her it was his pocket flag that saved his life while being deployed in Iraq.

Carol Clark has been in charge of organizing the care packages for about 10 years. She has a strict list from the post office stating what items are okay to send. Clark said about six to 12 boxes are sent out each month, costing around $200 to $300.

Douglas said the hardest part about the care packages is getting names and addresses of those deployed. The names have to come from the families due to privacy laws.

The best way to keep the momentum going for the care packages is to either donate or attend the Kalberwurst Supper, which is a fundraiser for the packages. The supper will be held 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Legion Unit 84 on Nov. 8.