Blue Star Moms Help Kiefer Residents Ship Soldier Care Boxes To Afghanistan

Generous people in Kiefer have donated enough items to send 644 boxes to members of Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in Afghanistan, but it created a dilemma.

The problem, how to pay for the estimated $5,100 it will take ship the boxes overseas.

An area Blue Star Moms chapter has solved the problem and is coming to the rescue!

Like many towns, Kiefer is decked out and ready for Christmas. There are 644 presents that aren't under a tree, but are stacked up at the police department. They're going to Oklahoma's 45th Infantry in Afghanistan.

"People opening up their hearts for our troops and that's an amazing feeling," said Donnie Lewis, acting Deputy Chief.

Less than a month ago, Kiefer police started a drive to collect items to send to Oklahoma soldiers serving overseas. The small town responded in a big way.

Kiefers' big show of generosity created a big dilemma.

"We're a little bit overwhelmed and not sure how to proceed with 5,100 dollars worth of costs of shipping," Lewis said.

Just as they were about to make an urgent call for donations, police got reinforcements. In came a military mom in a Marine shirt.

"This is great, this is great. laughs. Overwhelming," said Kay Sleeper of the Tulsa Blue Star Moms.

Kay Sleeper's Tulsa Blue Star Mothers Chapter will cover shipping costs. She says members of Oklahoma's 45th need everything in those boxes, but also need to know they have support.

"I believe they're going to be overwhelmed when they see this that a little town in Oklahoma would do this for them," Sleeper said.

Getting shipping costs covered is huge. But several thousand dollars are still needed for the cost of labels that the government requires. So, organizers are asking for cash donations for that. It's hoped they'll get the help they need, so soldiers get a show of support they deserve.

"I hope they know that people here are constantly thinking about them," Lewis said.

Donations can be sent to:

The Mounds/Sapulpa Blue Star Mothers Chapter 10
Post Office Box 268
Sapulpa, OK 74066

The care packages won't make it in time for Christmas, but should get there for a nice start to 2012.

12/09/2011 Related Story: Oklahoma Town Comes Together To Send 600 Christmas Boxes To Troops