Treats for Troops Fundraiser

Durham, NC- Durham Regional Hospital Operating Room employees Cary Holt, Kathy Payne and Gracon Alexander, all have sons serving in Iraq at the present time in three different units. These parents planned and implemented "Treats for Troops," to send gifts to military units stationed in Iraq.

Collection bins were stationed throughout the hospital for donations of toiletries, games, snacks and money for needed items. Employees donated enough items for 75 troops to get their own package. Enough money was donated to cover the shipping charges and give each soldier a gift card to the Postal Exchange store on base.

Holt and Payne were both surprised by the success of the campaign. "It makes you feel good when your son is there and people back home care," says Payne.

Each package included toiletries, candy, snack food, games, puzzle books, pens, pencils as well as letters from second grade students at Mangum Elementary and fourth grade students at Easley Elementary. The packages will be mailed Tuesday, November 20, so the soldiers can receive them in time for Christmas.

Holt hopes to make this a continual campaign to remind the troops that they are supported by their community.