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Sending care one package at a time

Farmington Press - 1/31/2017

Kandace McFarland is a passionate "Military Mama" and was even before her son enlisted in the United States Air Force.

"My family has always been military," she said. "There's always been someone in the military in my family."

As a member of a Facebook group called "Military Mamas," McFarland began her work by making bags for homeless veterans at a shelter in Poplar Bluff when she learned of another way to help those serving in the military.

"I found there was need for the troops overseas," she said.

McFarland said she would get names and addresses of troops, making care boxes of everyday essentials and ship them overseas. She also sent cards, made coloring sheets to take to schools and churches which would be sent out.

The first year she sent around 3,000 cards. Last year, she mailed more than 15,000 cards. She's been sending care packages for about five years.

"I did this for years by myself," she said. "With my health issues, I couldn't afford to do it on my own. I went to the American Legion, VFW and DAV to ask for help ? I explained what I was doing and why I was doing it. They were excited there was someone out there doing this."

She originally started asking for help with postage. There is a military-specific box used for sending care packages with a flat-rate cost of $16.75.

She usually places an order for 10 boxes of the flat-rate mailing boxes. Each box contains 25 of the mailers.

"The people at the post office know me," she said. "The postmaster hand delivers my boxes of boxes."

On Christmas Day, an F-16 pilot with the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flew an American Flag in McFarland's honor while on overseas mission to recognize the support given to the military over the past five years.

As McFarland points out, she considers herself only to be the name on the package sent overseas ? the flag and Santa hat were sent to her as a representative of all those who contribute in one way or another.

"When it comes to our men and women overseas, I swallow my pride," she said. "Honestly, if it wasn't for people helping sign cards ? whenever I've reached out to the public, whenever I've reached out to the DAV, American Legion and VFW. If it wasn't for people stepping up and responding, I wouldn't be able to do near as much as what I did.

"Even though this award was made out to me ? it's a great honor, but I turn to the public for help and they helped me make this happen," she said. "We turned to Facebook and asked if anyone could spare $16.75 so we could mail a box ? can anyone spare $20 so we can fill a box and people responded."

She said there are always ways to help out, be it with a group of students decorating the coloring sheets she has available or someone volunteering to help sign cards.

McFarland said there are certain rules and regulations when mailing cards to the troops ? there should be no glitter on the cards and envelopes cannot be sealed.

"I usually hold card making events," she said. "They can make 'thank you for your service' cards, Christmas cards ? whatever they want, because we are going to use those throughout the year."

McFarland has been appreciative of all the assistance given ? both from the veterans' organizations and local businesses.

Upward Smiles and Great Mines Dental donate toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to McFarland at least once a year.

"Since I am the local chapter leader for Military Mamas, we can get (those making donations) a tax credit letter," she said.