S. Fla. Mom's Org. Collect Items To Help Soldiers Stay Cool
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (CBS4) - One South Florida organization is working to help U.S. troops stay cool in Iraq and Afghanistan as temperatures begin to climb above 100 degrees in the next few months.
America's Moms for Soldiers is working to put together more than 5,000 care packages with items like hydrating powder drink mixes, eye drops, lip balm and snack items not affected by the heat.
Judy Smith, founder of the Pompano Beach based non-profit, says they are asking for help from the corporate, business and civic community groups to sponsor a minimum of 100 packages, according to CBS4's news partner The Miami Herald.
"We have a lot of corporations that support us and want to get more involved, so this gives them a way to do that," said Smith, whose son is in the Army and returned from Afghanistan in 2010.
Through his experience she learned about the excruciating heat, which can reach 130 degrees while soldiers patrol and carry 90-pound packs on their backs.
Adding to the extreme heat and dust, is a lack of running water in remote areas. Smith says items such as baby wipes are vital to the servicemen.
Other items badly needed include hydrating powder drink mixes, eye drops,lip balm, travel size shampoo and soaps, and snack items not affected by the heat, like trail mix or nuts.
As part of the Remember Our Troops campaign, America's Moms is asking businesses, civic groups, clubs, and churches to sponsor a minimum of 100 care packages. The top three care package sponsors will be recognized at an appreciation event in September.
"Not only do we want to provide them with a few comfort items, but also let them know how much their service means to us," Smith said.
For information on how to get involved, contact Americas Moms for Soldiers at info@americasmomsforsoldiers.com, phone the organization at 954-358-9358 or visit its website at www.americasmomsforsoldiers.com
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