Manasota Operation Troop Support Needs Postage for Care Packages

Dozens of volunteers have made it their mission to make sure that troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq know that folks back home haven't forgotten about the sacrifices they are making far from home.

The packages are a huge morale boost for the troops, not just for the gum, candy, socks, books, magazines and other comfort items, but because they often contain letters and notes of thanks from school children and others who just want to say they care.

So when , director of sees boxes stacking up and not enough postage she mobilizes. She goes out talking to as many people as she can about the MOTS mission and she asks for donations. Cash or postage stamps will work. She's happy with either.

She's been a dynamo when it comes to getting volunteers and goods for the care packages, even in this tight economy. She has partners in , and who donate goods for the boxes on a regular basis. And when she runs low, she will stand out in front of Sam's Club handing out lists of needs. Invariably people come out of the store with boxes of supplies for the troops.

It's the cash she needs to mail the packages that is harder to come by. Craig writes grants and gets a few, but sometimes they are expensive to administer, so they money doesn't go as far as she would like.

Postage for each box is $12.95 so it's easy to go through more than $1,000 a month just for postage. Nearly everything else is donated. Dozens of people come to help pack the boxes once a month or so. She has about a half-a-dozen volunteers she can count on consistently for day-to-day needs.

With boxes ready to be mailed, but little cash to get them sent, Craig started a fundraising campaign on Gulfcoastgives.org but has just five days left to gather about $500 in donations. After that the online campaign closes and the donations go back to those who have given if the campaign doesn't reach its goal. If the organization meets its goal, Craig will be able to send off 40 care packages.

has been to help troops before, during and after their deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. It's a mission she holds dear since her son has completed two tours. But more than that, she remembers growing up in the Vietnam era and how the troops were treated then. She never wants that to be repeated.

"I don't want that to happen to these guys," Craig said. "The smallest gestures make a difference. Unfortunately it does come with a postage price."

MOTS has scaled back what it does since running out of a large grant it received last year. Now they run mostly on donations from the community. And the community has been supportive. The organization got free office space this year at Lakewood Park where it holds its monthly packing parties and stores its boxes and donated goods.

The organization had been a stop gap for troops returning home. The group used to assist with things like electric bills, rent and even gave out gas cards as troops transitioned from the military. Now Craig serves as a clearinghouse, offering tips on where to find resources at other agencies.

"We just don't have the capacity to hand out things like we did last year," Craig said.

She still works to get the spouses of those deployed together for lunch or a cup of coffee so they will have a support system. She organizes family outings and works to make sure that those who have a special request while serving receives what they want.

"I want them to come back more whole than veterans in the past."

Anyone interested in helping may mail checks or stamps to MOTS, 4301 32nd St. W. Suite C-20, Bradenton 34205.