COEUR d'ALENE - Tad Brown sent his first care package to someone in the military overseas back in 2008.

It went to a young woman serving in Iraq, someone with whom the Post Falls man's daughter had gone to school.

"It really meant a lot to her," Brown said.

Brown and his wife, Debbie, have continued sending boxes filled with items designed to make life away from home a little more bearable for those serving overseas.

Brown spoke to The Press Friday in the hope of encouraging others to do the same.

He said it's easy to do, and it doesn't have to be expensive. With the U.S. Postal Service's flat-rate shipping boxes, the cost has become more manageable.

"My wife and I, we don't spend a lot of money on it," he said.

They send the usual toiletries, magazines and paperback books.

But they also send some creative packages.

In one box, they packed party hats, pop can holders, and a 3-foot-deep inflatable swimming pool.

"So they could have a party," Brown said.

For a while, they were able to purchase kits to build small catapults. They came with the parts, glue, paints and a small piece of sandpaper.

"They had a ball with those little catapults," Brown said.

The couple has received support from some area businesses that have donated items: special flashlights, cigars, toothpaste and dental floss.

Several local engravers have helped personalize some of the items.

Brown knows all the gifts of encouragement and gratitude are deeply appreciated. Through the years, he and his wife have received letters of thanks and other items from grateful care package recipients.

"I haven't heard from every one we've sent a box to, but the ones I did hear from, they said it meant the world to them," Brown said.

He and his wife have received pictures and patches sent from troops and units stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were sent a flag flown in Iraq in 2008, from the cargo area of a 'Chinook' heavy lift helicopter as it supported an air assault to capture known terrorist cells.

Brown understands the appreciation.

He was in the Navy for six years, and never received a care package, but he did get a few letters.

"It's a real morale-booster," he said.

He suggests that anyone interested in sending a care package go online where there are several websites - like anymarine.com - that list soldiers and Marines that can be "adopted."

"I think it's a duty," Brown said. "It's a pleasure and an honor."