Oklahoma Town Comes Together To Send 600 Christmas Boxes To Troops

KIEFER, Oklahoma -- The town of Kiefer may only have a population of around 1,600, but within one week they were able to fill 600 boxes with donated items. One box for each member of the Oklahoma guard's 45th infantry, serving now in Afghanistan.

This all happened when the Kiefer police chief mentioned on his Facebook page that it would be nice to get together some items to send overseas. He never dreamed the police station would be piled high with donations in a matter of days.

Just unpacking all the donated goods and getting them organized to be re-packed into boxes to ship, is a big job.

The citizens and businesses of this small town put their patriotic feelings into actions and as a result, all 600 members of the 45th will receive a box, with not just individual packages of goodies, but entire boxes of goodies.

"I can say I expected a response but this vast, no, I wouldn't have expected it. Big surprise," said Chief Stacey White, Kiefer PD.

Chief White is a veteran, as are many of the officers on his department. Reserve Officer Don Cartwright is overseas right now, as a platoon sergeant for Charlie Company 23-9.

Chris Horton and Kirk Owens, two soldiers with the 45th who've been killed this year, were also reserve officers at Kiefer at one time.

"So, it became very personal at that point," Chief White said.

In addition to the overflowing goodie boxes, students at Kiefer schools have been making Christmas cards, 600 of them, so each soldier also has a personal message from home.

"Merry Christmas troops. Thank you for your service and have a Merry Christmas and be safe," said Dreyce White, Chief White's wife.

White says it would be hard to be away from home on Christmas and wants them to know people here do appreciate them being there.

So what started as a small request on Facebook as turned into a huge outpouring of donations. The hope is soldiers open them and see more than goodies, they actually feel the love.

"I hope what they think, maybe not think, but, what is instilled in them is that we care, very deeply, we care for them," Chief White said.

If you want to do something for the troops, there are many agencies who would appreciate the help. You can contact the Department of Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers to learn more.