Linda Jones, local organizer of Treat the Troops (Southern Style), said the group is blessed with plenty of volunteers for the upcoming Christmas packing efforts Thursday, Nov. 9 at VFW Post 9143 in Cumming.

What they need is donations. 

Specifically, Jones said, she hopes those reading this article can provide homemade cookies (six per foldover baggie, tied with a twist tie and labeled if containing nuts); cereal bars; instant drink mixes; individual servings of potato chips or crackers;  and personalized thank you notes or letters.

“If you write a letter, include your email address or postal address and you just might hear back from a soldier,” Jones said.

Monetary donations are also helpful, as they offset the cost of mailing packages. Those interested can bring financial and food donations to VFW Post 9143, 1045 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. Checks should be made out to Treat the Troops.

“The outpouring from the community every year in this effort has been unbelievable,” Jones said, adding that the organization will likely mail more than 550 boxes following the packing Nov. 9. “We have the best volunteers in the world.”

Treat the Troops is a national organization with chapters around the country. According to its website, Treat the Troops aims to “let deployed American military persons know that people at home are remembering them.”

For more information, visit treatthetroops.org.