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Volunteers prepare packages for overseas
soldiers One of the most difficult times to be far from family members is during the holidays. The Caledonia Military Family Support Group is doing its part to be sure that service men and women from the Cal-Mum community that are serving overseas this Christmas, will know they are thought of when they receive a package from home. Kathy DeMarco and several other volunteers spent Sunday afternoon at the legion preparing boxes of gifts, cookies and everyday essentials for six out of country military personnel. A new volunteer to the operation was among the group. Wendy Berkemeier, a young mother and wife of Gulf War veteran, Scott Berkemeier, and her children, Austin and Mya, helped pack the boxes. After serving in the first Gulf War, Scott reenlisted and has been serving in Mississippi for the past seven months. Wendy’s brother is stationed in Iraq. As a pastor, Wendy communicates over the Internet with people in the faith community. She saw this outreach as another way to help those service men and women who are away from family this Christmas, feel a connection to home. They packed dozens of items into zip lock bags and boxes, all either donated or purchased with donations to the group. DeMarco set up a booth at a recent concert sponsored by WBEE radio and collected many items for the cause. The Caledonia FD Ladies Auxiliary, area churches and many generous individuals also donated items for the packages. Donations are also used to cover the shipping costs. The thank you notes that come in from the recipients of the packages lets the volunteers know how much the service men and women appreciate the gift from home. If you would like to make a donation to the Military Family Support Group, please call Kathy DeMarco at 538-6298.
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