“When I get mail from home, it makes me feel happy,” wrote a soldier in Afghanistan. “I know someone back home cares.”

For those involved in Project Support Our Troops, gestures of caring for soldiers serving far from home are what it’s all about. And now, the local volunteer effort that proves it by sending thousands of care packages to active-duty American soldiers serving around the world each year is gearing up — and seeking the community’s help — for what’s expected to be its biggest Christmas mailing ever.

Organizers have said the all-volunteer project, now in its ninth year, usually sends 50 to 60 boxes, filled with everything from fresh socks and phone cards to cookies and chewing gum, to troops overseas each month throughout the year. But during the holidays, that number grows exponentially.

Last year, for example, the project mailed a total of 800 packages to troops from units nationwide during the holiday. This year, the goal is to pack and send 1,200-plus packages, according to organizers.

“That is beyond anything we’ve ever thought of doing” before, said project organizer Kim Lengling.

To achieve that feat, Support Our Troops is putting out an urgent call for donations of items to be packed as well as money to cover shipping costs. Packing dates are set for Dec. 3, 5 and 14 at Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 52 in Meadville, and items may be dropped off there and at various other local businesses and offices. Shipping costs for this year’s Christmas mailing alone are expected to be more than $10,000.

“Our mission,” according to Lengling, “is to boost morale and let our troops know they are cared for, prayed for,” — and no matter where they are from or where they are serving — “that they have the support of the area communities.”

Ryan Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at rsmith@meadvilletribune.com.

You can help

Project Support Our Troops is gearing up for its annual Christmas mailing for American troops serving around the globe. Donations of items are needed to be able to pack and send 1,200 boxes this year for servicemen and women from units around the region and country, according to organizers.

All cash donations received go toward mailing costs. Postage costs for the mailings this year are expected to be in excess of $10,000.

Items needed include: store-bought cookies, baby wipes, AA and AAA batteries, tan khaki bandanas, Chapstick, long wool sport socks, beef jerky, crossword puzzles, candy, razors, Pringles, tuna/cracker packs, eye drops, gum, books, travel-size Kleenex, CDs, feminine products, hand-held games, Ziploc baggies (all sizes), pre-paid AT&T phone cards, small hand sanitizer bottles, Ramen noodles, popcorn, DVDs, tea, drink mixes and playing cards.