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No matter what your views on the war, or on when our troops should come home, real support for our troops can make a huge difference to the war-weary soldier far from home.

And while it is helpful to know (through letters from home, news reports, and other sources) that the country is showing support through words and local actions (bumper stickers, ribbons on trees, American Flag pins and clothing), it is far more rewarding to both giver and receiver to send a care package or letter directly to those who sacrifice so much for us every day.

Numerous ways to support the needs of our troops are out there – you can support the families here, send a card, letter, or care package to a solider, donate computers, provide help directed at certain areas (the wounded, troop entertainment, disabled troops, etc.). Here are just a few of our favorites:

• To give a monetary donation to a general fund, donate to the USO (www.uso.org) or provide critical need support to military families at http://www.usacares.us/. 
• Our own local chapter of Treat the Troops is cooking up goodies for our soldiers every month! Back in September CummingHome shared information about this First Baptist Cumming project that sends care packages of cookies, bibles, health and beauty aides, letters and love to troops around the world! Contact Debbie Hudson at dcanoli@adelphia.net to help!
• Donate your unused frequent flyer miles to help reunite troops with their families at http://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/heroMiles.shtml. 
• There are dozens of organizations to help you send care packages – over 120 individual groups are listed at http://www.americasupportsyou.mil. Our favorite is www.anysolider.com. This site helps you know what to send, where to send it and how, and the site is not affiliated with any one political party or religion.  This program also does not discriminate among types of servicemen and women, but is available for ALL in active duty, including the Reserves and National Guard units.
• Don’t have any money to spare but want to make a difference? Send a message to the troops thanking them for their sacrifice at http://www.supportyourtroops.us/ or through the Xerox-sponsored program that helps you pick and send a free greeting card at www.letssaythanks.com.

Some may believe our government should provide for all the needs of our troops; others say family and friends can fill in the rest. But does your employer provide absolutely EVERYTHING that you need? Of course not; there are some things you must buy on your own – briefcase, clothing, photo frame for the desk, lunch, etc. Now try to buy those things on a soldier’s salary in a war zone – no Wal-Mart there! 

No matter where you believe needed items should come from – know that what matters is that there is still a need. If you have any ability to help with that need, even if all you can do is send one tube of lip balm, that support will do more for a soldier overseas than all the yellow ribbons in all of Cumming! 

So do more than post a bumper sticker – show the world that Cumming, Georgia really does

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!