Lutz Patriots Send 'Courage,Strength' from Home

Memorial Day, originally called Remembrance Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

If you're looking for a way to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom, consider making a donation to those still in harm's way.

Founded in 2003, the Lutz Patriots assemble at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 US 41, every Friday to wave to passing drivers and collect donations for soldier care packages. 

"Your contributions are heartfelt and a necessity as a positive morale booster for the soldiers throughout our unit. Our time here in Afghanistan feels a little shorter each time we open a package from back home. We would not have the courage or the strength to continue in the war if it were not for support from our country’s citizens, just like you," Chaplain Sneller wrote from Afghanistan after receiving a package from the Lutz Patriots last month.

"We greatly appreciate everything that you send, and share with others since your more than generous boxes have started to arrive," SSG Timothy Taylor wrote from Afghanistan.

The Patriots will be at the schoolhouse from 4:30 to 6 p.m. today if you'd like to start the weekend by dropping off items for a soldier.

You also can help by donating postage costs to help with shipping, Lutz Patriot volunteer Bruce Hockensmith said. 

Make a check payable to the U.S. Postmaster and mail it to: 

Lutz Patriots

P.O. Box 1115

Lutz, FL 33548

Needed care package items include (a downloadable list is included in the photo section of this story):

Food

beef jerky
crackers
hard candy
chewing gum
granola bars
protein bars
nuts
potato chips
coffee
Crystal Light to Go
power bars
tuna in a bag
Slim Jim’s meat stick
hot chocolate
cookies/Oreo cookies
trail mix
fruit snacks
non dairy coffee creamer
microwave popcorn
Little Debbie snack cakes
tootsie pops
red licorice
Jolly Ranchers
raisins
dried fruit
Doritos
flavored coffee
flavored Coffeemate

Hygiene

deodorant
lip balm
razors (disposable)
eye drops
body/foot powder
handi-wipes
hand sanitizer
athletic socks (white)
face cloths
dental care products
shoe sole inserts
body lotion/cream
sunblock
ankle socks (white)
shampoo/conditioner
nail files
Q-tips
cotton balls
combs/brushes
hand/foot lotion
bar soap
feminine hygiene products
shaving cream
cough drops
Vitamin C
Aspirin
Tylenol

Other

board games
batteries AA/AAA
stationery
dvds/cds
portable cd/dvd players
fly swatters
puzzle books
crocs or flip flops
soccer balls
letters/cards from home
bandanas
paper and pen
sewing kits
tweezers
comic and joke books
playing cards
car/sports/fitness mags
small flashlights
disposable cameras
frisbees
phone cards
notepads
ear phones
blank cds
laundry detergent
Ziploc bags
cigars
handwarmers
footballs/basketballs
air pumps with needles
towels