VFW gears up to help soldiers for holidays

PLAINS – The Plains VFW has begun their annual drive for care packages to send to troops away from their families and abroad.

This is an annual event taken on by the VFW.

“We have been doing this a long time,” VFW Trustee Nora Verpoorten said. “They have done it here since WWII. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of doing it.”

Last year the VFW was able to send 51 packages to troops. The VFW strives to send troops with local connections care packages for the holidays. Last year 26 members of a retired soldiers unit were sent packages from the VFW and they hope to send them packages again.

“We have the names of the same members from last year,” Verpoorten said. “We try our hardest to send packages to troops from the area. “

Anyone who knows a soldier that will be away from their family for the holiday season is encouraged to contact the VFW with their information on where they can send a package.

“We try to give them some of the comforts from home,” Women’s Auxiliary Treasurer Meralise Nass said. “They do so much for us and it’s sort of our way of giving back for all they do.”

The VFW is seeking donated items such as magazines, tissues, and nonperishable food items.

“Soldiers lack reading material,” Verpoorten said. “They need something to do during their downtimes and reading is something lots of soldiers do.”

The VFW tries to send items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, and other personal hygiene products that are not typically provided to soldiers home or abroad. The organization wants to make it as easy as possible on soldiers who have to be away from their loved ones during the holidays. In order to combat the loneliness of the holidays, the VFW sends candy and sweets.

“We send a lot of candy to our troops,” Verpoorten said. “Candy is something everyone seems to enjoy. We get some really good homemade candy to send to them.”

The biggest expense for the organization is the cost of postage. The United States Postal Service’s flat rate boxes are used to send the items to soldiers. Last year the organization spent over $400, an expense Verpoorten would love some help with.

“Other than items we need, we also take donations as well,” Nora said. “The biggest thing we need help with is shipping. It is our only real expense.”

The VFW has itemized lists placed at local businesses for people interested in donating to the cause for soldiers. Items can be dropped off at the VFW during business hours. Any item donated will go toward the soldiers care packages.

The end date for donated items will be November 27 so the Plains School students can get their letters and colored pictures into the packages. Items will be packed and shipped soon after.

“Package delivery times vary by location,” Nass said. “The ones that are closer take about two or three weeks. Farther ones can take up to a month.”

The VFW has appreciated the past community support and hope to continue their efforts with troops.