CONQUEST - Home may be a little bit closer for several men and women serving overseas thanks to a handful of women who spent their Monday morning packaging gift boxes for soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Four women spent nearly two hours inside the Conquest Municipal Building dividing and packaging razors, shampoo, candy, toys and other toiletries and luxuries while three children wrote letters asking the soldiers about their experiences in a foreign country.

Some of the women also took time to write their own letters thanking the soldiers for their service to their country.

“The letters mean the most to them, those are the most

cherished,” said Joni Lincoln, of Conquest. “Just the idea that someone back home is thinking about them means a lot to them.”

While the women did not know who the packages would be given to, many of them said their own experiences with the military gave them insight into how important it was to support every soldier, regardless of whether they knew them.

With two brothers who served in the Vietnam War, Marg O'Connell, of Conquest, said it was important for the soldiers to know that someone back home supported them.

“It's important for them to know we are thinking about them and that they are not alone,” O'Connell said. “What little bit we can do back home is important for them.”

While several of the items, such as baby wipes, were considered luxuries to the troops dealing with desert conditions, others were meant to improve morale and relationships. A stuffed elephant, hippo and Clifford the Big Red Dog toy were just a few of those items.

“The soldiers really love the toys,” Lincoln said. “They may play with them until they get bored and then they will give them to the local children.”

With six packages prepared and ready to head out to their respective bases, Lincoln said the group was already preparing for its next package party in anticipation for Christmas.

With shipping costing the group $11 per package, Lincoln said she hoped the public would continue to donate money and supplies in addition to their time.

“Anyone can help, no matter where they are from, and any donations are always appreciated,” Lincoln said. “Just drop them off at the municipal building.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net

How to help

Non-perishable food or toiletries may be dropped off at the Conquest Municipal Building 1289 Fuller Road, Conquest. For more information on how to help or how to get involved, call 776-4726 or 776-4510.