Waukesha County group collecting care packages for troops

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- The Republican Women of Waukesha County are rallying up holiday care packages to send to troops overseas. They say help for the ongoing effort is needed now more than other times of the year.

The volunteers send packages year-round, but have a special push during the holidays. The group is asking community members to donate items to the men and women serving our country.

"We've got a lot of things so far. We've had a lot of people coming in," said Tracy Rath of the Republican Women of Waukesha County. "We have a lot of hand written letters from kids and parents. Also empty cards they can send back home are nice as well."

Volunteers say military members stationed overseas are without many of the everyday items we sometimes take for granted.

"We do toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, they like the beef jerky, hard candy, tissues," said Rath.

State Senator Leah Vukmir says the donations and holiday packages are small tokens of gratitude for freedom that is priceless.

"It's really important. They are lonely, they miss home and something like this really brightens up their day," said Vukmir. "It's such a simple thing to do but it goes a long way and means so much."

High school volunteer Allison Smith says she hopes to encourage other teens to get involved and give back.

"I think we are the new generation and we need to start evolving and caring about others," said Smith.

Donations can be made at the Republican Party of Waukesha County office on Pearls St. Organizers say if you hope to have your donation sent in a holiday package, it should be dropped off before Thanksgiving.