If you’ve been to Walgreen’s lately, you’ve probably been asked if you’d like to “Treat the Troops” when you went to check out. And boy have you “treated” them. Thanks to the efforts of Walgreen’s and the generosity of its customers, we’re busy packing all kinds of goodies to send to the troops. We’ve had Oreo brownies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, cookies and a host of other munchies to send to our fighting men and women. Here’s a quote from one of the recipients: “Big hit on that box of candy, you should have seen those Soldier’s eyes when they saw that box. Tell everyone involved with that one great job.” That says it all.

iCo Store Cordially invites you to attend their open house on Monday November 2, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:30am. They are located at 1850 West Drake Dr. Tempe 85283. Come on out to see Denny Hamlin's #11 FedEx NASCAR Racer. There you'll get to meet racing experts who can answer all your question and even take home some fun souvenirs. This event is being co-sponsored by Apple Spice Junction Catering and MidFirst Bank with proceeds to benefit Packages From Home. We'll be offering personalized T-Shirt giveaways, Embroidery Tours and Holiday Gift Ideas. Please visit www.icostore.com/openhouse

Wells Fargo and its employees have been long-time supporters of our troops and Packages From Home. On Aug. 21, Diane Martinez and her crew showed up ready to pack and in matching red Wells Fargo Volunteer shirts. They brought much-needed food and hygiene items for our troops, as well and money for postage to ship the boxes they packed. Teamwork isn’t just a word to them. They put it into action and set up an assembly line to get the boxes packed. Way to go Wells Fargo!

When the team from Desert School Federal Credit Union showed up for their packing party, they came ready to work! They brought donations aplenty and a great team working spirit. With smiles, fun, and a little joking around, they got the work done, and then some. What fun to watch them try to outdo one another to pack the perfect box. Our boys and girls in uniform are in for a real treat when they open these boxes! Thanks for a great effort.

When the students from Northwest Christian showed up, they were ready to work. They packed boxes, handled special projects, broke down boxes, took out the trash, and in general did whatever jobs were needed – and never stopped smiling. Their enthusiasm was contagious and something we love to see at Packages From Home. A positive attitude resulted in a very productive morning and a lot of work getting done. Way to go!

On September 26th the first ever Packages From Home packing party for Navajo County was held in Holbrook, AZ. Resident of the Bread of Life Mission, along with members of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Dept. spent the morning packing boxes to send to a National Guard unit which contains 6 deputies from Navajo County. The drive was spearheaded by John Larson of Winslow and items were collected from residents of many Navajo County towns. Don’t be surprised when you hear that they’re doing it again. Everyone had a great time and the boxes had a deep personal meaning for many of those involved.

We’ve got spirit! Yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how about you? Volunteer spirit that is. When the University of Phoenix, Military Division, decided to support our troops through Packages From Home, their team spirit took over. They didn’t have just one donation drive and packing party. They didn’t even have just two donation drives and packing parties!!! They had SIX donation drives and packing parties, and are scheduling a seventh one as well. With true team spirit they brought in donations, packed boxes, did chores, and in general just plain had a good time. Thank you University of Phoenix for pitching in to support our troops.

We Believe in Hard Work.  The men and women of Team Toyota not only believe this at their jobs, but this seems to be their motto in the community too, especially when they are supporting the Troops!

On August 15th, Team Toyota arrived at Packages from Home with bags and bags full of food/snacks/hygiene items from their donation drive in anticipation of their packing party.  We were thrilled to also see LOTS of the much needed and requested item, SOCKS!  After the items were sorted and shelved, the "seasoned packers" began their packing party.  When their packing party was over, the count was made and they had packed 121 boxes!  At $10.35 a box for postage...the $2,000.00 check they presented to us was enough to pay for postage for all of their boxes!

We Believe in Hard Work...Team Toyota and our Troops!