American Legion Auxiliary Unit 81 president Jan Swift and secretary Judy Harvey work in harmony monthly to provide “a little piece of home” to U.S. soldiers stationed overseas.

The local American Legion boasts 1,320 Legion members, 150 charter Sons of American Legion and about 552 women Auxiliary members — many of whom contribute varying degrees of donation or money to supporting the overseas soldiers.

“We have about 15 to 23 soldiers, and we only take them by referral,” said Harvey. The care packages are mailed monthly and include items such as a new pair of socks, sunscreen, wet wipes, a magazine, a deck of cards, a greeting card, snacks, sample-size shampoo and conditioner, soap, foot powder, a pen, toilet paper and lip balm.

“We send little things, just to remind them of home,” said Swift. “We sometimes get feedback. And knowing they appreciate it … it’s an honor, basically.”

Swift shops for items to complete the care packages, helps stuff the contents into the boxes and transports the boxes to the post office.

“Organization is the key,” Harvey said during a recent interview.

Harvey stores, sorts and pre-packages the items into plastic zip-top bags.

“I enjoy it,” she said. “It is work, but you know you are doing something to help their lives. It’s the only thing we can do (from here) to really make a difference.”

The two women, who have worked the past five years — or 60 months, have fine-tuned the process. However, the task has its challenges.

Storage is a frontrunner in the procedure. The items are stored in the women’s garages before being sorted and sent. At times — depending on donations — the contents can become overwhelming.

Shipping cost is another crucial element in the equation.

A medium-size box costs $10.95 to ship. The larger boxes, which are sent around Christmas, cost $12.95 after a $2 discount provided by the local post office. Monthly shipping costs can average hundreds of dollars. For example, April’s shipping costs were $262.80. In the past 10 months, shipping costs totaled $1,745.08.

The American Legion donates $150 per month. However, each month, the two women are required to purchase items to send to the troops. And they operate on a minimal monetary budget, Harvey said.

The soldier care packages are sent overseas to military branches that currently include the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force. It includes both women and men.

Donations of any type are accepted at the American Legion, 181 Paseo Del Sol, in Havasu.

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.