Sarolta Green's son was in Tikrit, Iraq, with the 4th Infantry Division last year when she learned about Soldier's Angels, an organization begun by Gen. George Patton's great-grandniece, Patti Patton-Bader.
"When you join, you commit to writing to and sending packages to a soldier," Green said. "I ended up with a platoon because my adoptee was a first sergeant. He said 'personally, I'm quite squared away, but there are 16 other guys in the platoon who could use some healthy snacks."
The Johnson Lane resident said she checked with Raley's in Carson City, who provided her with Clif Bars for 10 percent over cost.
"I shipped them 16 boxes," she said. "I sent my son a personal Thermos mug. He treasured that thing."
For her next effort, she called a local manufacturer, which donated 320 cups, but asked to remain anonymous.
Green then contacted headquarters at Camp Sather near Baghdad, where she was told the commander had determined that all 691 soldiers in the unit get a wrapped gift for Christmas.
"I'll have to get a few more by Christmas. But I'm in sales, I can handle it," she said.
However, success in gathering the materials has resulted in one difficulty - getting them to Iraq.
"Covering shipping is going to be a biggie," she said.
Marsha Tomerlin of Coldwell Banker Itildo is covering about a quarter of the cost, but Green is seeking donations to help pay for the rest.
She is seeking a grant from Wal-Mart to help provide gifts for families of soldiers who are overseas.
She asks that anyone knowing of a family contact her.
Most people who contact Soldier's Angels just have one soldier to send something to.
"It was completely voluntary on my part to take on this large group," she said. "Ninty-nine percent of people who sign up at soldiersangels.com adopt an individual soldier who they send mail to regularly."
According to the Web site soldiersangels.com, Patton-Bader started Soldier's Angels from her bed after getting a message from her son that some soldiers in his unit were not receiving support from home.
According to the Web site, 12,000 people are helping more than 9,000 military members in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
The organization is distributing care packages to wounded soldiers. Included is a handmade blanket with the name of the person who sewed it. Green encouraged people who enjoy sewing to participate.
To donate money to the cause, call Green at 450-5825.
You can help
Call Sarolta Green at 450-5825 or go to www.soldiersangels.com.
The Record-Courier is shipping cards, letters and gifts to troops this holiday season. Drop off materials at The Record-Courier, Johnson Lane General Store, Northwest Martial Arts, Carson Valley Inn, PJ's Liquor or Topaz Lodge.
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