CARIBOU, Maine — Members of the American Legion Henry B. Pratt Post 15 Ladies Auxiliary got together on Veterans Day to make care packages for a 40-unit United States Marines troop deployed in Afghanistan.
The idea was first considered this past summer at the annual Caribou Craft Fair where the Ladies Auxiliary had a baked potato booth. They agreed that the proceeds, which totaled nearly $400, would go toward purchasing things and creating packages for the troops. On top of the $400, members of the Ladies Auxiliary also donated extra money, for a grand total of just over $615.
“Shopping for the gifts made me feel really good inside,” Shelly O’Rourke, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, said.
Members of the Auxiliary purchased items they thought soldiers would need and enjoy. They purchased a variety of candy, cough drops, and even candy canes to inspire the holiday spirit. All of these items will be packed into colorful holiday stockings, and each soldier will receive a card signed by every Auxiliary members, as well as a letter.
“We’re here because we care,” Claudine Cyr, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary said. “We can’t thank them enough. This is so little compared to what they’ve done.”
Also helping out on packing day were Auxiliary members Margy Griffeth, Tawny Plourde, Bernice Pelletier and Judy Drost.
The packages are to be sent out before Thanksgiving in order for the soldiers to receive them in time for Christmas.
