ROCKINGHAM — “Pick up a box and go shopping.”
Those were the instructions of VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary President Robin Roberts on Saturday to a group of around 40 volunteers as they proceeded to fill care packages bound for local troops stationed overseas.
Those volunteers — which included scouts, Beta Club members, students from Richmond Early College High School and members of Combat Vets Motorcycle Club — made several rounds around the five tables full of supplies as they picked out items they wanted to send.
From beef jerky to pudding, candy to crackers, ramen to fruit cups, each box was filled to the brim. Other items included toiletries — ranging from razors to deodorant and even toilet paper — copies of National Geographic magazine and puzzle books and over-the-counter medications.
And of course, there was hot sauce.
“Thank You” cards and Valentine’s cards were also included in each box, as well as a stamped envelope, so the troops can send letters back home.
During the packing party, Auxiliary members filled out customs papers and mailing labels — something they had been working on since 11 a.m.
Auxiliary members recently went shopping — using money from last year’s Rockin’ for Veterans concert and other monetary donations — in Fayetteville to purchase supplies. Many other items were donated.
Around 130 boxes were packed and will be mailed out Monday at a cost of $19.70 each.
Roberts said she was overwhelmed by, and grateful for, the support of the community.
