CENTRAL VALLEY, Calif. (KFSN) — A valley group is taking extra action to make sure military members know they’re supported at home and abroad.
The Central Valley Blue Star Moms are in the middle of their holiday package drive and today they put together care packages stuffed with essentials and snacks.
The group says there’s more need in the aftermath of the government shutdown, so they are increasing the number of packages this year.
They now also plan on collecting donations year-round.
While there is normally a push to gift care packages overseas, some deliveries are staying close to home.
“Now we’ve determined that everybody needs to see some love from home. If you’re stationed in another state, you’re still away from home, you still deserve some love, you still deserve a package,” says Central Valley Blue Star Mom Jackie Trafton.
That recently included packages for sailors stationed out of Lemoore Naval Air Station.
Action News spoke to one of the members helping package boxes, who knows the meaning of receiving a care package.
“I spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, so I know what this means. I try not to be too emotional but receiving packages from home when you’re far away is really impactful. Typically, we open them up and share them with the people in our squadrons, detachments and our units,” says Veteran Tim LoBretto.
If you have a loved one serving, you can reach out to Central Valley Blue Star Moms and they can prepare items for their unit.
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