Giving is better than receiving
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

For Linda Baker, her 50th birthday party became more significant when guests brought items to be mailed to our servicemen and women as a part of project "We Care Packages."

Sunday, July 18, was the big day for Linda, who says it was her sister Kathi Prarat's idea that guests bring something other than gifts for Linda. "Would it upset you if your gifts go to the troops?" Kathi had asked.

As a part of the "We Care Packages" group, which has been in operation since 9/11, Linda was overjoyed that something so positive would result from her birthday.

"I was thrilled to be the guest of honor who would be giving instead of receiving," she tells me as we talk in the large building just behind the Pierceville Post Office on SR #350. It was in this building that guests gathered on Sunday, July 18, for her 50th birthday celebration.

Shortly after September 11, 2001, Nancy Spears started the "We Care Packages" project, which has grown steadily in the past three years. The purpose was to send care packages to our troops in conflict.

Nancy has a daughter in service, and all of us know young men and women serving in our armed forces. From this beginning in October 2001, we have been sending packages every week and are now up to 30 people on our list."

Linda acknowledges the fact that "We Care Packages" is an expensive and time-consuming project; yet everyone involved is dedicated to keeping it going as long as our troops are in Iraq and other remote areas.

"We spend roughly $50 per box," she explains. "Postage for one small box is $15, and the contents range in value from $30 to $35. Our postage is well over $400 per month."

What this means for the people involved in the project is shopping for bargains at groceries, discount stores, and variety stores and creating lots and lots of fundraisers.

"Our fundraiser right now is sell
ing magnetic ribbons for $5.00 each. These can be used on cars, mailboxes, or anywhere else the buyer would choose. The ribbons have 'Support Our Troops' and 'Pray for
Our Troops' as messages."

Linda explains that 100% of the money raised is used to buy items and mail packages to our troops stationed in Iraq and other remove areas. She gives this address for orders and/or contributions: We Care Packages, Box 100, Moores Hill, IN 47032.

"The majority of the recipients are local," Linda tells me. "Families give us names of their servicemen and women. "If everyone in the area would just give a dollar; it would help so much. People give to so many things, and 99% of the people we ask do contribute willingly. The majority of the people are wonderful."

Linda cites as an example of willing helpers Roger Kavanaugh in the Versailles area. "Roger has been a really big help to us with donations, selling ribbons and raffle tickets."

The 12 to 14 members of the "We Care Packages" project are constantly thinking of new ways to raise funds so that the packages can be mailed out each week. In addition to the magnetic ribbons, they have had roadblocks, raffles, and have even bagged groceries for tips at a large area grocery.

"You can't even describe it, the project is so rewarding. But it is also challenging to think of ways to keep people remembering what these young service people are doing for us. Until the last one comes home, we will keep doing this. I would like to challenge everyone to donate a dollar," Linda says.

Showing me a stack of e-mails the
group has received from recipients of the care packages, Linda points out the latest from Robert L., a TSgt. in the United States Air Force. These are his comments:

I wanted to say, but words don't express, my ultimate gratitude for the time taken out of each one of your days to put together boxes for service members like myself and all the others that I serve along side. You show your undying support for us in this country.

I have received two boxes since my arrival and was overwhelmed by your graciousness and selflessness. You are all truly patriotic and unquestionably committed to all of us. I thank you for what you are doing for our country and for us...I thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement.

I felt so special as I opened the boxes and the other airmen all gathered around to see what I'd received. I want you to know that I shared with them. I will do you proud and serve for you, your family and our America.

Again, you are my inspiration...my heroes, and my gratitude goes to you all.

For Linda, as well as for Nancy Spears and the others who work tirelessly on "We Care Packages," this is reward enough. In Linda's words: "It is definitely better to give than to receive."

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

A unique 50th birthday party for Linda Baker of 4127 N. County Road 450E, Milan. Linda shows the donations for We Care Packages received in lieu of gifts for her birthday on Sunday, July 18.