VFW sends packages to troops

Lines of empty boxes filled the room at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Sunday afternoon.

The boxes, which would be filled with Girl Scout cookies, candy, Christmas cards, letters and a host of other treats and items, were sent off to soldiers overseas Tuesday morning.

VFW Post 2321 Vice Commander Jim Shoemaker said they'll send off any donation they receive.

"If we can do it, they'll go," he said.

Earl McDonald, District 4 Commander and Commander of VFW Post 2321 in Green River, said the VFW spent approximately $4,500 in shipping the 241 care packages they made to locations across the world.

The postage money is raised through fundraisers the VFW hosts throughout the year. Without those donations, the VFW wouldn't be able to send the care packages off.

"If we were doing this for profit, we'd go out of business," McDonald said.

McDonald is familiar with how important those packages are to soldiers. While serving in Vietnam, McDonald received a few packages from his mother. He recalls the men would often know about a care package arriving before its intended recipient. He also remembered how a few would peek over his shoulder to see what he received from home. The packages helped boost morale during the long months away from home.

"Anything from home helps," he said.

McDonald said the VFW encourages soldiers to share the contents of their care packages with other members of their unit, saying those packages are a big deal for more than just the people they're addressed to.