Community answers the call to help Marines

When last we left Stephanie Biggs and her sister, Danielle, they were asking for help in putting together care packages for a unit of the 1st Brigade, 9th Marines currently deployed in Afghanistan. In the week since, they’ve collected enough to ship out 10 fully packed boxes to the Marines.

To refresh folks, Stephanie is a Marine wife and Danielle is engaged to a member of the 1/9 unit in Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal process began, the troops have been losing support services, including the mobile PX where they could get a few amenities and luxuries, such as snacks, socks and other items. In addition, food service has been reduced for the troops.

The sisters decided they wanted to help the Marines and asked for help from the Twin Lakes Area community. So far, they’ve gotten a good response.

On Tuesday, I received an email from Stephanie updating me on their efforts. After last week’s column ran, they got help from The Sweet Spot, which offered to serve as a drop-off point for anyone wanting to contribute to the cause. The folks at The Sweet Spot also put their candy where their mouth is, or, rather, where the Marines’ mouths are. The shop donated 16 pounds of candy for the Marines.

“In just one week, I am amazed at what has been accomplished,” said Stephanie.

She listed what had been donated thus far and sent to Afghanistan in addition to the candy:

•23 pairs of socks (Stephanie had said when the troops spend days on patrol and in the field their socks wear out quickly.)

•26 boxes of moist wipes

•Five bars of soap

•12 packs of hand warmers (three per pack)

•40 canned food items (meat and fruit)

•12 packs of tuna

•About 40 protein bars

•Eight boxes of powdered drink mix

•Eight potato cups

•Electrolyte drinks

•Canned coffee

•About 70 different snack items

•Nine cans of Copenhagen dip

•“And a few other odds and ends.”

“All in all, 10 fully packed boxes,” said Stephanie.

It’s good that local residents are willing to help our troops with more than lip service and bumper stickers. Folks have shown support for the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan before, and this shows they’re still behind them. This actually means something to these Marines. They’re separated from loved ones on the other side of the world, fighting an elusive enemy and enduring conditions few of us could stand.

Care packages mean a lot to the troops. Besides giving them new socks, or a snack, or even some dip, these packages boost their morale. They’re a source of inspiration, a sign that people do care about them and the hardships they face in a hostile land. The packages help make life a little better for them.

Stephanie and Danielle still are collecting for more care packages for the Marines. “We hope to send out just as many next Monday,” said Stephanie.

If you want to help, some of the items needed include white, boot-length socks; moist wipes; nonperishable food items —packaged meats, packaged fruits, peanut butter, power bars, snacks (but nothing that could melt in transit); drink mixes; energy supplements; and, yes, even dip.

Stephanie said it costs $14.95 to send a package to the troops, and if anyone wants to help with the expense that would be greatly appreciated, too.

She said she appreciates what the community is doing. “I would like to recognize our community for the outpouring of help I received,” said Stephanie. “I have never felt so humbled in my life.”

If you want contribute to the Marines’ care packages, you can drop items off at The Sweet Spot, 1989 U.S. Hwy. 62 E. in Mountain Home. And if you have questions about helping, you can reach Stephanie at (870) 656-5713.