Army mom leads effort to support troops
The mother of a local soldier is spearheading an effort to show appreciation to the country's deployed troops.
Hero's Angels, an organization based in Chicora that sends care packages to American soldiers, and the Five Below store at Butler Crossing have teamed up to gather donations and deliver them to deployed members of the U.S. armed services.
Carrie Young, the founder of Hero's Angels, started the organization in August 2016, after her son joined the military.
Five Below got involved when Young stopped by the store in August, and since the effort began about a month ago, the results have been heartening. Young recently picked up the first batch of donations and described the support as "amazing."
Items that have been donated so far include cooling towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, mouthwash, shampoo, soap, playing cards, pens, Sudoku books and snacks.
"Being in a remote location, there isn't much here as far as snacks and toiletries, so we rely heavily on when mail comes in to receive those kinds of items," said Tech. Sgt. Mike McFadden.
McFadden, who was raised in Eau Claire, receives and distributes Young's shipments. He serves in the Air Force Reserves and is on his second deployment overseas.
Five Below will accept donations on a continual basis.
A full report will appear in the Butler Eagle.
