Local Blue Star Mothers Set Lofty Goal After 'Adopting' Alaska Unit

The Tri-County Blue Star Mothers send out Freedom Boxes every month to troops serving overseas. Starting next month, the group plans to nearly double the amount they normally send.

The Tri-County group got a request this week from a unit outside of Oklahoma. The moms decided they'd adopt the unit even if the troops aren't their sons.

"It is a tall order, but we're not afraid to back down," said Blue Star Mother Kimberly Graham.

The group is currently putting together thank you bags for local veterans - but the bigger project is the Freedom Boxes.

Freedom Boxes are small gifts from home like personal hygiene items, socks and snacks for troops overseas.

Starting next month, the group is adding 185 more boxes to its monthly mailing list for a total of 250.

"These are our boys and they are taking care of us and so we want to make sure we are right there supporting them," Graham said.

The change came this week, when the group received a request from a Lawton soldier based in Alaska who said his 185-member unit was heading to Afghanistan and didn't have anyone sending care packages to them.

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The moms couldn't resist.

"We are moms down home, so we want to make sure all of the boys and girls are all taken care of," Graham said.

"I really believe in our troops and want to do something for them to give back to them," said Renea Hulcy, who is volunteering for the first time with the group.

They're going to need a lot more people like her to make the new goal happen. Aside from supply donations and packing all the boxes, it will cost about $3,000 a month to ship 250 boxes.

"We are going to need even more support from our community," Graham said.

There are two ways to help - donating and packing boxes. If you or your organization are interested in either, contact the Tri-County Blue Star Mothers.

12/22/2012 Related Story: Blue Star Moms Help Kiefer Residents Ship Soldier Care Boxes To Afghanistan