The project for the troops officially ended on November 24th and it was a HUGE success!!  We send out a huge thank you to all of you who mailed in items as well as those of you who donated funds to mail out the care packages!  The response was phenomenal and we are proud to announce that THIRTY-SEVEN packages were mailed to Iraq!!  We originally aimed for 5! The teamwork that went into making this project go forward was awesome.  Everyone worked together and definitely made a difference in the lives of these soldiers during the holidays!! Look for pictures of the Marines who will be getting your gifts later on this same page. Check down below for messages sent to the troops from Matthew & Gunnar Nelson along with photos taken before the gifts were all boxed up and sent.

We extend an enormous applause to the following members and non-members of their generosity!!
If we missed your name we sincerely apologize and please let us know! Each and everyone of you were important to this project! Go Team!

A Special Thank You to Sue Therrien for letting us flood her home with all the packages sent. And for spending endless hours reboxing and filling out a bazillion forms to get them over there. Here is Sue's message to you!

Following are the letters that were written by Matthew & Gunnar that went into the boxes to each soldier.

Matthew Nelson:

Gentlemen (and Ladies)-
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for your sacrifices and hard  work. You are always on my mind and in my prayers these days as a  member of my family, my cousin Lt. Donilo Voigne is currently leading  his troops door to door in Fallujah. Just today I had a conversation  with the sister of a Marine that has already completed 3 tours of duty  and is standing by for a fourth if called up. That kind of courage is  rare these days, but it is constantly displayed by members of the 
Corps., and for what it's worth, is an example for me to aspire to in  my life.I am aware that these Christmas packages might get to you after the  holiday- but please know you are all returning home to gratitude and  open arms from your countrymen.
Thanks again- do a good job - and come home to us.
Always,
Matt Nelson
 

Gunnar Nelson:

The holidays are a time for reflection- for giving thanks for your many blessings, large and small... for feeling the love and support that surrounds you, fills you up, and makes you whole- whether that love comes from the brother to your right, or a grateful stranger thousands of miles away. Right here, right now, please know that you are truly loved, respected, and appreciated. Your being so far from home is what makes it possible for us to keep the home fires burning- and we promise that they will keep burning for you until you're safely back here with the ones who miss you so much. So from all of us to you- happy holidays... rock on with your bad self... and above all... SEMPER FI.
Gunnar Nelson

From The NST:

On behalf of all of the members of the Nelson Street Team we would like to thank all of you for your dedication to fighting for world peace.  Our hearts go out to you during this holiday season for the sacrifices that you have made for your fellow citizens as well as humanity across the world.  We are proud of your accomplishments and admire your strength, courage and loyalty that is required in fighting for the freedoms that our country has the privilege of enjoying each and every day. 

The members of our team have banded together to collect items to send to you and we ask that you to please accept these gifts as a token of our appreciation for everything that you have done during your deployment.  We pray for your safe return that you may reunite with your families and love ones as soon as possible.

We extend to you warm greetings during this holiday season and hope that we have brought you a bit of joy during this time of year.

In deepest thanks and admiration,

Sue Therrien 
Project Coordinator
 

Nancy Burr & Cass Kessler 
National NST Leaders 

Karen Powell
Assistant to the Nelsons

For each item sent you will receive 5 points. You can help by gathering items and mailing them to:
Gifts For Our Troops
c/o Sue Therrien
163 Greene St
Woonsocket, RI 02895

Or of you prefer to help in another way you can help with the postage costs to send these packages to them. 1 point for each dollar donated to shipping.
if you have any questions please email us!

Here is a list of suggestions for items to send:
Click here for printable list

Slim Jims
Bags of Individually wrapped hard candy
Microwave popcorn
pouches of tuna
pop tarts
microwavable brownies
cheez-its
pop top cans of fruit
Powder (w/corn starch)
Foot powder
DVDs
paperbacks
CDs
crossword books
Baby Wipes
Powdered Gatorade, Cystal Light Drink Mixes
Beef Jerky
Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunflower Seeds
Rice Kripsy Treats
Playing Cards
Altoid Mints
Nuts
Chapstick
Chips (Pringles, Doritos, etc.)
Cookies
Sunkist Fruit Gels
Ritz Peanut Butter crackers
GUM
pretzels
Starburst
Skittles
Sweet Tarts
Small Board Games
Pens 
Batteries 
Long Distance Phone Cards
Note Cards with envelopes 
Tea Bags
On The Go Instant Coffee Packs