America Supports You: It's 'HOT' to Help the Troops [View All]

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http://www.blackanthem.com/World/2005080509.html

America Supports You: It's 'HOT' to Help the Troops

According to many servicemembers stationed overseas, it's a great feeling to receive a care package, and it's especially nice when the package contains items that you personally requested.

In March, Kristen Maddox, a 21-year-old college student from Santa Ana, Calif. , launched the nonprofit organization "Helping Our Troops" with that in mind. Her goal is to ship care packages that contain items based solely on troop requests.

"We don't send our favorite items; we send their favorite items," Maddox said.

HOT is made up of a small group of volunteers, mainly Maddox's friends and family, who have doggedly searched for a wide variety of items, including canned sardines, eye goggles and pool cues.



Kristen Maddox, the 21-year-old founder of the nonprofit organization "Helping Our Troops," which sends specialized care packages to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Courtesy photo

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