Salem, Oregon Group Passes 10,000 Mark Providing Love Boxes for Soldiers

The volunteer project has been underway since December, 2005.

Photo courtesy: loveboxesforourtroops.com

(SALEM) - In the part of the world where wars rage, the word salem or at least a very close variation of it, is used with great frequency. The word salam means peace. The irony is that the word is the most commonly used greeting in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

So it is only fitting that Salem, Oregon would be the base of operations for a program called "Love Boxes," a volunteer operation that sends much needed gifts to American troops overseas.

Organizer and founder John Baker says the continuing efforts are rewarding. One of their latest visits was to a Salem church. "We had an awe inspiring time at New Hope Foursquare Church in Salem, Oregon. Their two services took 500 boxes to bless 8 soldiers and their units that are related to their church membership."

The servicemembers from the church include two Oregon National Guard in Afghanistan, and a Marine and Chief Surgeon in Iraq, among others. Baker says the ministry had a milestone, "We have now passed 10,000 boxes that we have handed out since December 2005 not counting all the independent efforts that have been started in Oregon and around the US."

The volunteers involved in the project acknowledge that they will never know the full impact. One thing is certain; Love Boxes are well known throughout the war areas where Americans presently serve and soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen benefit from the deliveries of these gifts when no others are in sight.

Baker says that is what the project is about, "We are accomplishing the mission of raising public awareness of the sacrifices our Soldiers make for us. We also have been the beneficiaries of a multitude of heartfelt messages of thanks and wonderful pictures from our heroes. We cannot help but feel proud of our Soldiers and our Country."
Visit Operation Love Box at Operation Love Box