By Danielle Grant, Local News 8 Reporter
IDAHO FALLS - One local company is reaching out to the men and women fighting for our freedom.
But they need the community's support behind them.
Last year, the Idaho National Laboratory served care packages to 160 military members. Now, they're hoping to meet the needs of more than 200 soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It's a spirit of giving; giving to someone you don't even know, someone who's risking their life for our freedom.
"I don't think we realize the impact we can have by sending simple gifts like crackers and popcorn but it really makes them feel valued,” said Anita Gianotto, who’s helping the INL’s “Licensed to Lead” committee.
Bags pile up in the back of the pick-up truck.
Playing cards, Oreos, cheese and crackers, simple things giving the troops a taste of life back home.
"These men and women that serve our country, they go, they're without their homes and their families and it’s really hard for them to be away from home. I think it’s nice that we can do whatever we can to bring a little bit of home to them,” Michelle Wilkinson explained.
Cash donations help too.
The group says it costs $12 to send just one care package overseas.
But it's a small price compared to what the military has to pay.
"Look what they're doing for us, they're literally putting their lives on the line for us,” said Nancy Bowes of Idaho Falls.
Giving back and saying thank you to the men and women giving of themselves to protect and provide for us here at home.
"Do you know anyone in the military?” asked Danielle. “No, no I don't but they are all in my heart. Definitely," explained Bowes.
If you want to donate, you have until Tuesday afternoon.
They'll be collecting food items, toiletries and cash contributions Tuesday outside the Idaho Falls and Ammon Wal-Marts as well as Sam's Club from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Other locations are Phase 4 on 17th street next to Kmart, Community Care offices on Channing Way, South Utah Avenue and 17th Street, Hollywood Video on Hitt Road and Northgate Mile, Bishes RV Center, Edward Jones off Sunnyside Road and Wealth of Health.
Donations can be made at the Hampton Inn on Channing Way. Tuesday afternoon, local Boy Scout troops will help package the care boxes at that hotel.
All the holiday care packages will go to local troops serving overseas.
If you want to send holiday packages to the military overseas, this Friday November 13th is the last day you can do it through regular parcel-post mail.
You have until December 1st to ship care boxes by priority mail to make it to the soldiers in time for Christmas.
