Packages assembled for troops

Veterans activist Carla Street has the town of Spirit Lake geared up to send cookies and care packages to local troops. Residents are being asked to drop off cookies during a cookie party to be held at the Linger Longer Lounge from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

A jam session and raffles to benefit the project will follow the cookie party, from 4 to 8 p.m.

For those wishing to donate nonperishable goods for veterans’ care packages, Street has set up a drop-off box at Spirit Lake Books and Coffee through Dec. 1.

Once the cookies and other items are collected, Street and other volunteers will package the cookies and send them to those serving, and care packages will be sent to the deployed.

Street has collected the names of five service men and women currently deployed, and 12 more who are serving in the military from the Spirit Lake area; she is looking for more.

Street says she is getting lots of help from the community. “The VFW, churches, kids, businesses and Chamber of Commerce are all involved this year,” she said.

Asked what soldiers would like in care packages, Street says to remember that it takes a while for the package to reach them, so make sure not to include anything that will spoil. She also said they especially appreciate small things they can carry with them; and dry mixes they can put in their water, like cocoa, cider or lemonade. Jerky and hand wipes, especially small packages, are also favorites.

The most appreciated thing soldiers like to receive is hard to get, according to Street. “The thing they most appreciate is a personal note. People will just donate up a storm, but when it comes to writing anything to them, it’s a really hard thing to get … and they love the letters.”

If you know the name of a soldier, would like to write a letter, make a donation or help in any way, contact Street at 623-2562 or e-mail crlstrt5@msn.com.