PLAINS – The VFW Lady Auxiliary Club prepared dozens of boxes packed to the brim with goods for soldiers who are unable to make it home for Christmas.

The ladies came together to spread holiday joy to those who they believe need some encouragement at what can often be a lonely time.

Many soldiers will not be able to make it home for Christmas and this project ensures they know people are thinking about them. 

As boxes lined numerous tables, the ladies busied themselves, sorting goods into each one. Anything from magazines, candies, protein bars, shampoo and even drawings from students at the Plains Elementary School were provided.

The handful of women scurried along, sorting through the goods and distributed them into the open and waiting boxes.

Last year the group sent 51 packages. As of Monday afternoon, the club only had 13 addresses – a low number compared to the dozens of prepared boxes. Seven of the packages were headed overseas while six were to remain statewide.

The group was still waiting on a few lists from locals who would expand the number of addresses provided.

Nora Verpoorten stated all of the packages will go to soldiers, even if they happen to arrive after Christmas. 

“We try to find people who can use them. Even if they are late, it doesn’t matter,” said Verpoorten. “We want them to get there on time (for Christmas). And if we find a veteran locally, we’ll give them a box.”

Verpoorten said all of the packages will eventually land in the hands of either a soldier or veteran.

Although the packages are already filled, member Meralise Nass said the packages will probably not be sealed until Friday. According to Nass, the finishing touches cannot be added to the packages until the Clark Fork Valley Press is put into each box. 

She explained local students write messages to the soldiers that are printed in the Valley Press and because of this, it is important to include the newspaper for the soldiers. 

The packages vary slightly from one to the other because of the different items that were donated. 

“There’s a lot of stuff I’ve seen here today that we haven’t had before,” said Nass. 

According to Verpoorten the oversea packages will be mailed by Friday and the other ones will be mailed on Monday.

Anyone who knows of a soldier or veteran in need of a package should contact Meralise Nass at 826-3366.