The Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County will be out in force on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at both the Belen and Los Lunas Walmarts asking shoppers to pick up a little extra something for our troops.

There are about 83 Valencia County residents who are currently serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Becky Mollerud of the Blue Star Mothers.

After collecting the much-needed items, the group will pack and send the care packages to the troops, just in time for the holidays.

Some of the items the Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County will be asking shoppers to buy include food items and snacks such as tuna, chicken and salmon foil pouches, Vienna sausages, jerky, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coffee singles, fruit roll-ups, chewing gum, microwave popcorn and individual tea bags.

Toiletry items include bath soap, shampoo and conditioner, wash clothes, dental floss, deodorant, lip balm, mouthwash, foot powder, sunscreen, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving gel and insect repellent.

Some other items the group is asking for are unbreakable Christmas ornaments, candy canes, pens and pencils, crossword puzzle books, zipper bags, gloves and disposable cameras.

Used cellular telephones can also be used to obtain calling cars for service members.

Every time the Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County send out care packages to the troops, they are always humbled by the response they receive from the troops.

Here are just a few letters of appreciation that were recently sent:

Dear Ladies,

Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you for sending me the care package to me. Not only was it special, but special because it came from a place I can still call home. I hope you don't mind, but I shared some of the contents with my fellow soldiers.

The artwork, however, has brought some much needed color to my room. Now, the green chili will hit the spot at the pig-picking (matanza). Most soldiers I know have never had real green chili so it will be interesting.

The pig-picking is in a couple weeks, so I look that much more to its coming. A busy mind is the most important ally a soldier can have. The movies, book, and puzzle book were great.

Your organization has done a wonderful thing and I thank you once again for you kind gesture.

SFS Brandon Holst

FOB Falcon, Iraq

Alcon,

Thank you very much for the care package. It brightened my day when I saw my name in the mail board and received the care package. It was full of wonderful goodies as well as necessities. I shared some of the goodies with my room mate.

I especially liked the three pictures, I put them on the wall and it made the CHU more homey.

You guys are greatly appreciated. Thank you and bless you all.

Sgt. Dalena Marsh

Farmington, N.M.

Dear Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County,

Today I received the care package that you sent me. Thank you very much! It was quite unexpected and I am genuinely touched. Everything that you sent me was thoughtful and will be put to good use.

I've read each of the cards, and the lovely pictures are already hanging in the wall. I would really like to thank the students for their gifts.

Since I am an avid reader, I'm especially grateful for the books. I'm finishing reading my seventh book since I've been in Iraq and now I have two more to enjoy.

God bless each and everyone of you. You've really brightened my day. We still have a ways to go, but I hope you'll be at our homecoming ceremony.

SFS, Douglas Mallay

HHC, 515, CSSB

Hello all,

I can't really express how wonderful it feels to receive a gift such as yours. All I can say id thank you! Without support such as yours, it would make what we do that much harder. Thanks for the support, you are why we fight.

Thank you,

"Guardian of Flight"

Dear Blue Star Mothers of Valencia County,

Thank you so much for the care package you sent the 515th CSSB. My battle buddies and I truly appreciate receiving these gifts and all of the hard work that was taken to prepare them. It really means a lot to know that people from home are thinking about us.

My favorite items in my package were the paintings of the new Mexico landscapes and the NM chili jerky. Thanks for sending pieces of the home to me!

Sincerely,

SPS Liz Kramm

Hello!

From the dusty, hot desert of Iraq to the wonderful high desert of NM. Thank you for all the wonderful and needed gifts you sent! I am from Edgewood and used to live in Albuquerque! I miss the pretty blue sky of the Southwest!

Thank you again!

SPS David Bierwirth

Dear Blue Star Mothers,

Thank you so much for the care package. It never ceases to amaze me how generous complete strangers are to those in uniform. I truly appreciate you and what you do. It's kind of hard to describe why, but there's a real sense of joy when we receive mail here, especially packages. I guess it just makes us feel loved. Again, thank you for the package.

Sincerely,

SGT Pamela Ford

Dear Blue Star Mothers,

MAJ Pugh just showed me the care packages you sent. Thank you so much for doing this. What a wonderful slice of home! The artwork and letters from the youth are what we will treasure most.

Thanks again for everything you have done and will continue to do to support our unit.

Sincerely,

LTC Ken Nava

Commander, 515th CSSB

Cos Marez-East, Iraq

Thank you very much Blue Mothers. Your support and blessings are very much appreciated by me and fellow soldier. Thanks again. God bless you all.

PFC Manuel Lopez

For more information about how you can help, or donate to the cause, call Becky Mollerud at 363-2323 or Jean Casey and Ruth Vollmer at 217-1808.

The Blue Star Mothers will also be taking donation after Saturday's donation drive.