Send To Friend 
CaptionTweet This! http://mync.com/site/41979/
For the last two years, a group of Cary seniors have been sending gifts to troops overseas.
It started out as a fun project, at the Cary Senior Center, but has blossomed into something special.
The recipe for a successful session of Operation Sweet Tooth is pretty easy: find some good snack food, fill a box with as much as will fit, and add a little note thanking troops for their service.
"Here are a bunch of nobody seniors in Cary, North Carolina packing snacks for our troops that are fighting for our freedom," said Linda Holben, the group's coordinator.
It's a simple little act that reaps some pretty stunning rewards.
Operation Sweet Tooth celebrated two years on Sept. 11, and in that time they've gotten dozens of thank-you notes back and two flags from Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The certificate read 'Let it be known that this flag was flown in the face of the enemy.' That's how it started. That came in my mailbox," said Holben. "I mean, that'll break you right down."
What began as a small group project has snowballed; the group meets only once a month but has managed to send out 214 boxes.
Shipment alone costs more than $10 a box, before you even consider the cost of supplies, and it's all done by this small group of about 20 volunteers.
"Me, personally, it's made me feel needed," said Holben. "And a sense of accomplishment."
The ripple effect makes her proud, too.
"I know of about 10 different groups in North Carolina that have seen on the internet, Operation Sweet Tooth, or on the news, and have taken on their own little projects," said Holben.
She didn't get into this for herself, but now Holben spearheads something that's changed her life for the better.
If you'd like to help with Operation Sweet Tooth, you can drop off donations at the Cary Senior Center, or contact Holben directly at lindasholben@yahoo.com.
_______
Keep up with the stories Chris Cowperthwaite is working on every day: http://twitter.com/CCowperthwaite.
Contact him at ccowperthwaite@wncn.com.
Report Abuse 
Comments
By Steve Gorski on 09/18 05:51 PM
My unit has benefitted from the dedication and generosity of the outstanding citizens from the Cary Senior Center. We received four packages over the course of two deployments, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan within the same year. I do not have the words to express the gratitude felt by the men and women of my unit. We placed the boxes in a community area where anyone who was working too hard to grab a meal could grab a quick snack. The candy did more than fill our stomachs; it served as a reminder that there were good people back home who thought enough of us to dedicate their time and money to send their regards. Some of the candy would be scooped up by troops headed out on patrol, and eventually found its way to children of local villages. I wish I could convey the joy that overwhelms a child who has nothing when he or she is given something as simple as a piece of candy. Linda and her crew are doing noble work. It is amazing how the good will of a few can spread across the globe. The Cary Senior Center has found a way to box hope. Thank you for all you do, Maj Steve Gorski U.S. Air Force
By Discount ugg boots on 09/18 03:41 AM
wow, nice post and i bet your vistors will also like the discounted ugg boots and ugg boots girls for winter,especially we provide ugg boots 60% 0ff.
Post A Comment
Commenting is not available in this section entry.