After a successful debut last year, the organizers of the Northland-based grass-roots campaign Spreading the Love have tripled the number of military personnel deployed overseas they plan to surprise with holiday cheer this year.
“I just know there are people out there defending our country,” said group coordinator Tracy Tollers of Maple. “We just want to put a smile on their faces.”
Tollers issued a challenge to the Northland last year to provide Christmas packages to members of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“I’m all about paying it forward, and I guess this is my way of giving back for what they do for us,” Tollers said. “I’m a mother of a Marine. It’s close to my heart.”
Fueled by social media and a huge outpouring of support, the operation succeeded.
“It was very fulfilling and heart-wrenching at the same time,” said Melanie Sikveland of Superior. “We were amazed at the donations and support here and across the country. It was heart-warming.”
The campaign was well-received by the troops.
“Although you might think it is a small token of appreciation, the Marine or sailor who accepts that package will receive heartfelt support and something special for the holiday season,” wrote Sgt. Maj. Amaya with the 1st Battalion 4th Marines. “For many, these gifts will be a surprise.”
The quest to spread the love is on again, but it has expanded.
“Last year we shipped 112 boxes,” Tollers said. “This year we have 300 names to try and mail boxes to.”
Volunteers are gearing up for the task.
“We’re just hoping we have the same response we did last year,” Sikveland said.
Instead of two months to collect items and postage, however, the group has four weeks. The packages will be shipped out Dec. 20.
“We’re at crunch time, and we just started,” Tollers said.
The service members don’t ask for much, Sikveland said. Almond Joy candy bars, beef jerky and other snacks are some of their most-requested items. A letter, child’s drawing or book could provide a smile. Baby wipes, toothbrushes or shampoo could offer comfort.
“I think as a nation we forget that we’re at war,” Sikveland said. “The veterans who are fighting battles for us, they’re America’s sons and daughters.” It’s important to support those men and women, she said, “regardless of how you feel about the war itself.”
Drop boxes have been set up throughout the area. The first business to put one up was Northstar Hearing Center in Duluth. Other boxes can be found in Duluth at Northand Plastic Surgery, St. Louis County Veterans Services and the St. Louis County Auditor’s Office; in Superior at Campbell Lumber, Tri-State Business Systems, National Bank of Commerce main branch, Superior Choice Credit Union on Tower Avenue, Shannon’s Stained Glassery, CVS on Tower Avenue and the Veterans and Nontraditional Student Center at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. There’s also a box at Poplar Hardware in Poplar.
Lists of needed items are posted by each box and on Spreading the Love’s Facebook page. The group is seeking $4,800 in financial donations to send the 300 boxes, as well as items to fill them. The boxes are small, so those who donate are asked to think small, as in travel-size. No big items or aerosol cans will be accepted. Any extra items will be donated to other area organizations. Cards or letters also are welcome. This year, the troops receiving packages are serving in a number of different units and branches of the service.
Superior Meats already has stepped up to provide 100 packages of beef jerky, just as it did last year.
“It makes you feel good to do something for the troops,” said Rhonda Arnes, cashier manager at the store. She asked owner Judy Moe-Reder to help out both years, and got a quick response each time.
Kwik Trip has pledged 100 packages of candy that won’t melt. Facebook friends have started to donate money for postage. All the efforts are focused on giving soldiers, Marines and sailors a holiday smile while they’re far from home.
“I think it’s really cool,” Arnes said of the campaign. “It’s good to give back to them for what they give us.”
