Everyone wants to do something for someone during the holidays.
During wars and occupations, U.S. citizens sent millions of packages overseas during the holidays.
Now that the U.S. Department of Defense prohibits packages addressed to "any serviceman" because of security concerns, Andi Grant and a group of volunteers have a solution for those of you who want to send packages to soldiers.
Grant and her friends, all volunteers, have mailed more than 5,550 packages overseas to the men and women defending the United States in the Middle East. Volunteers at Give2thetroops.org have spent more than $167,000 sending goodies to the troops. She gets donations from around the country including Florida.
"We send everything," Grant explained in a phone interview. "That includes little goodies like sunglasses, toiletries -- anything that is difficult for them to obtain overseas that may make life for them a little easier."
One recent evening volunteers showed up at her home near Fairfield, Conn., to unload 2,200 electronic games donated by a well-known manufacturer that wants to remain anonymous.
"Boxes are stacked everywhere to the ceiling," She explained. "We barely have room to sit on the couch and watch TV."
From the description of her work, it doesn't seem like she has much time to watch TV.
Her labor of love began in December 2002 when her husband, Brian, then a sergeant in the Marine reserves was shipped to Bahrain and Kuwait to provide shipboard security for Navy patrols. "My husband got his orders and was there for over a year. He got home just before Christmas,'' she recalled.
Thirteen years as a military wife prompted her to keep sending packages after Brian came home last December. He returned to his job as an emergency medical technician.
"I knew my husband would receive many letters and packages from me, but my concern was for other troops who didn't receive mail from family or friends," she said. "I was worried about their morale."
Grant said sending packages helped take her mind off worrying about her husband and also gave her son, Ryan, who was also very worried about his father, something to be involved in.
Grant contacted her son's elementary school, choir and friends. "Everyone was ecstatic to help," she added. "Word spread quickly, and cards and donations for the troops arrived daily at our doorstep. Our list of troops kept growing. The more troops that wrote us, the more packages we sent. In our first month, we sent 129 boxes. The next month, we sent out 232."
To date, Grant said the organization has sent more than 5,000 packages. "We've stopped counting," she added. "That's not important to us."
What is important, she stressed, is supporting the troops. "We continue to support our troops and send them letters of encouragement and care packages to let them know we care about them," added Grant. "Some troops have given donations to help other troops. They are, without a doubt, the most selfless people I know -- I am in awe of them."
The group's Web site is filled with notes from soldiers and supporters.
Grant said her volunteer base is "just incredible."
There are subgroups in California and North Carolina, and another planned for Oklahoma. The original organization is incorporated in Connecticut and is in the process of obtaining its tax-exempt status.
Grant received the Red Cross Community Impact Award for her work with Give2TheTroops.org. The organization also received a letter from Thomas O'Connell, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, praising its efforts and achievements.
"It's not about the awards," said Grant. "It's not about egos. It's about helping the troops."
And the troops, she said, appreciate the work of the countless volunteers who donate time and money.
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