Many hands make light work. More than 30 volunteers made sure of that Saturday, Nov. 23 as they packed 197 boxes to send to troops serving overseas as part of the holiday efforts of Support the Troops Without Boundaries.
Each box was filled with homemade and store bought treats, hygiene items, socks, wool hats, fan mail from Charlotte Public Schools students and St. Mary School students.
Support the Troops Without Boundaries founder, Mike Smith said the boxes provide a small piece of home for troops who are away from the families around the holidays.
“Receiving these brings the spirit of home to men and women who are putting their hearts and souls into keeping the US and the world afar a safer place,” said Mary Ann Novetske, Support the Troops volunteer.
Smith told his volunteers that though they may never hear from the troops they prepared boxes for, know that they appreciate it.
“You never know what you get in return, but look at it this way, we are making a difference,” Smith said. “They’re far from home, it’s lonely…this brings something to them. I know they enjoy it. Anything we can do to bring a little bit of home to them helps.”
Smith said he will send over eight “Charlie Brown” Christmas trees as well.
Each package costs between $12.35 to $14.85 to send. Smith said the group was able to raise enough money to send each box packed, thanks to the generosity of the surrounding communities.
