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VALLEY — Members of American Legion Post 67 had a very good day of collecting items for their care package program this past Saturday. They were at Veterans Park in Langdale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and did much better than expected.

“We had no idea of what the response would be,” said Post Commander Lanny Bledsoe. “We had tried to get the word out that we were going to be there and were hoping for good weather. The weather was great, and lots of people turned out. We thank everyone who donated. We want them to know that we will keep this going.”

On Sunday, members of the post packed two boxes with such donations as baby wipes, snacks, deodorant, shaving cream and razors, beef jerky and the like. They have been mailed two local service members who are overseas — River View native Josh Anglin is in Afghanistan and Jacob Siggers in Africa.

The Legion will be having their monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sunny’s Restaurant in Valley. After the meeting, they will be packing four more boxes to be sent to active duty military personnel with local ties. Any local veteran who wants to help them is welcome to come and be part of it.

“What we really need are the names and addresses of local soldiers,” Bledsoe said. “We can send them a care package if we have that. I can remember how much it meant to me to get a box from back home when I was in the service. We would like to show the young men and women who are serving our country and away from home that people back home have them in their thoughts and prayers.