Colo. Women Make Personal Push To Help Our Soldiers

Two Colorado Springs women are organizing a care package drive to help their loved ones serving overseas, and they’re asking the public for help.

Stephanie Saunder’s husband is serving his third deployment overseas. She said she has regularly sent care packages but recently he has been asking for more items to help his fellow soldiers.

She said a recent attack on a building meant some soldiers lost everything they brought to Afghanistan. Saunders said simple items, such as toiletries and snacks, have been harder to come by.

Saunders’ co-worker, Tammie Vandeusen, has also been sending occasional packages for her daughter’s boyfriend.

She said her most recent packages got to the soldiers one day after their building was attacked.

Vandeusen shared a Facebook post from one of the soldiers that read, “Pretty much any piece of home we brought with us is gone. However, we are doing good right now. In a weird way, it brought us closer together when all we have is each other.

Thank you so much for all your support and for going out of your way to help us. Just that alone helps these guys stay positive knowing how much people back home really do appreciate and care about their soldiers overseas.”

Donations can include new undergarments of all sizes, toiletries, nonperishable snacks and food, energy drinks, magazines and nonelectric games.

Saunders and Vandeusen are also collecting cash or money orders to pay for shipping. Each box will cost about $13 to send to Afghanistan.

Donations can be dropped off at V.I.P. Mortgage in Colorado Springs located at 7660 Goddard St., Suite 100, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information, call Stephanie Saunders at 719-425-2014. Her email address is ssaunders@vipmtginc.com.

Donations will be collected until May 12.