Blue Star Mothers create care packages

By: ELIZABETH IRELAND - For the North County Times | Saturday, July 14, 2007 10:47 PM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Wearing up to four blue stars on their T-shirts, representing their sons or daughter in the military, members of the North County chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America prepared care packages Saturday morning to send to troops overseas.

In just two hours, 40 volunteers collected, sorted and packaged 300 boxes, the largest mailing ever. They had to rush because another event needed the space where they were working at the American Legion Post in Escondido.

"I founded this chapter as my way of supporting my son who is in flight school in Pensacola," said Blue Star Mothers President Kathryn Long. Now she refers to all the 16 overseas sons and one daughter in her chapter as her "kids."

Items are collected year round at various drop-off locations and drives, usually in front of local Wal-Mart stores. The care packages are assembled and mailed three times a year, and notes of encouragement are sent all year long.

Donations included new running shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops and money to help cover the expense of postage, which adds up to about $9 a box. The packages contain everything from toiletries to clothing, and are generally shared within units.Ý

The mailings go to any soldier or Marine, especially the wounded, for encouragement as they begin recovery or transfer to a new facility. Organizers said 78 of the 300 packages Saturday are going to a chaplain for distribution in Afghanistan.

"Being so far from home makes me sad, but groups like ... Blue Star Mothers keep our morale up and keeps us going when the bad times come up. Every little thing brings warmth to our hearts," wrote a soldier in Baghdad who received a box.

The North County chapter is an official branch of Blue Star Mothers of America Inc., a group formed during World War II. The 70-member support group meets regularly to share worries, pride and devotion to their children. A few members are Gold Star Mothers, meaning their child was killed in military service.

Upcoming events for the Blue Star Mothers include their biggest fundraiser, the "Blue Star Ball" on Sept. 8 at the Escondido Country Club. The event will feature live music, a silent and live auction and a formal dinner. "Our goal is to raise $50,000 depending on the generosity of the public," said Lori Smith, chairman of the San Diego-North County Blue Star Mothers.

Much of the money raised is used to pay for postage. The next packaging day and mailing will be in November.

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