OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- The Lions Club is the largest service organization in the world.
This month, the Overland Park branch of the club is taking its service overseas.
Thirteen years ago, Mae Claxton launched the Shoe Boxes for Soldiers project.
Members of the Overland Park club collect items that can easily fit in a box and be sent to the men and women serving overseas. This year, they're sending boxes to a unit in Afghanistan and Kuwait.
"They're personal care items like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, snacks, peanuts, candy," said Claxton.
They are small things to let soldiers know they are being thought of.
"It is an honor and a privilege for us to be able to do some little thing for them, to give them a smile for one day, to let them know that people do remember that they are over there and that we do care," said Claxton.
Several local schools have even gotten involved, collecting items to help fill the boxes. The club could still use help at the post office.
"Cash donations are always welcome because the postage has become astronomical," said Carole Collyard, Lions Club Member.
To send one box, it costs $14.95. The club is sending between 50 and 60 boxes.
"I wish we could send a box to every soldier; That would be a huge, huge, huge project," said Claxton.
Starting at 8 a.m. on Nov. 17th, at the Legacy Christian Church at 10150 Antioch Road, the club will pack all of the boxes to be shipped.
Anyone is welcome to help pack boxes or make donations by November 15th. Donations can be dropped of at 10404 Nieman Road, Overland Park.
Items still needed:
- 30 Washcloths
- 40 bars of soap or shower gel
- 48 Mouthwash
- 40 Shampoo
- 30 hand lotions
- 10 Tic Tac
- 40 Trail mix
- 30 Beef jerky
- 50 Razors
- Cookies
Overland Park Elementary, Arrowhead Elementary and John Dieman Special Education class have all participated in the effort.
If you would like your soldier serving overseas to receive a package, call Mae Claxton at (913) 709-7445.
