Sparked by Westminster College Bookstore clerk Linda Butler, whose son is stationed in Mosul, the Westminster Community collected enough items to send care packages to 54 soldiers stationed in Iraq.

 "My son knew about this, but many of the 32 soldiers that live in his quarters did not," Butler said.  "Scott's unit is part of the Battery A First Battalion of the 107th Field Artillery, a military police unit."

 Westminster junior elementary education majors donated money each week to purchase items for the friends and family members of the Westminster community.

 "The faculty and staff in the Education Department decided to forgo gift exchanges within the department and donated money for the care packages," said Dr. Amy Camardese, assistant professor of education. "We decided to join forces with the bookstore and our students and collected about $350 to purchase items for the care packages."

 "Packages included items like toothpaste and brushes, and the small fruit cans they like so much," Butler said.  "We had enough to send to all 32 soldiers in my son's unit, and a box to every soldier who had a connection with the College like Josh Shaffer, who has a girlfriend at Westminster, and Terry Bolger, whose wife Dorita works here.  We even sent a couple of boxes so that they could have Christmas and New Year's parties.  It contained huge containers of things like salsa and chips."

 The packages also included either a Christmas card or a note written by a Westminster Preschool student.  One such child wrote, "I want to wish you luck.  Please keep all the soldiers safe and come soon."  While another wrote, "I love you because I like you.  Thank you for everything and here is a hug." 

"I talked to him Sunday.  He was so excited," Butler said.  "He said that the driver of his humvee received his box on Friday, and the guys laughed because he didn't get his yet.  The guys live together in one big room, so the news traveled fast."

"I just want to thank everyone because this means so much to these boys," Butler said.  "It's a connection to home.  I'm so thrilled at the response from Westminster staff and students.  When there's need, everyone pulls together here.

"The unit is scheduled to return January 20, but the rumors are flying around about a later date," Butler said.  "Some nights I sleep, but some not at all.  I'd never sleep without my prayers and the prayers of others, though.  I pray for their safe return."

For more information, contact Butler at (724) 946-7216.

Kay Galanski & Linda Butler Assemble Care Packages for Troops

Junior Education Majors Display Gifts Purchased for Troops