Package Team: reaching out to those who serve
By James Moate Endeavor News

Two decades ago, when Cameron County's "Package Team" was formed, its members couldn't have envisioned how much their services would be needed at the dawn of the new millennium.

With America's multifaceted War on Terror now exceeding even World War II in duration, these hardy volunteers have found themselves especially busy. Their mission is to send military personnel from Cameron County messages of love and support from back home.

These take the form of packages containing treats and practical items. The Package Team is especially busy during the holiday season.

Rich Valley's Wesleyan Church got the ball rolling with a modest goal of touching the lives of a handful of service members from the valley who would not be home for Christmas.

Two of the early volunteers, Betty Vogel and Margie Malize, spearheaded the expansion of the program to include military personnel from all over Cameron County. The two really dug in when the church found itself without the financial resources to continue sponsorship.

When Margie moved on in 1996, Karin Schatz, also of Rich Valley, stepped up to a leadership role.

"What started as a support group for a neighborhood grew to become a countywide organization," Schatz explained. "Every year, it seems that the community becomes more supportive."

She said many people are under the misimpression that the Package Team supports only those military personnel deployed overseas.

"Our mission is to touch base with anyone from Cameron County who is serving our nation with the military," Schatz pointed out.

Businesses, industries and individuals donate money and items for the packages, which are sent out in time for Christmas. Tentatively, the team plans to gather on Saturday, Dec. 8, to pack and ship.

Many people find ways to contribute.

Girl Scouts, parents and grandparents of soldiers, and school students have all helped out with the packing and shipping. Students at Woodland Elementary School often submit letters or handmade items.

Occasionally, a former recipient of a care package will show up in future years to help pack boxes for others.

Package Team volunteers expect to send out at least 90 boxes this year, about the same number as last December. The dispatch peaked at about 135 during Operation Desert Shield in the early 1990s.

Financial support is always needed, since it can be used to cover the shipping expenses or to purchase items that are appropriate for each recipient. Schatz said shipping costs are high due to the packages' weight and distant destinations.

Troops in Iraq may only receive certain items, based on need, shipping restraints and religious considerations.

For instance, a box being sent within the U.S. may contain such items as pens, tablets, cocoa mix, tea bags and Christian ornaments, whereas a package sent to Iraq would contain baby wipes, lip balm, candles, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, tissues, beef jerky (no pork items permitted), razors, envelopes, stamps and post cards.

Soap is no longer included, since it has been known to affect food quality.

Throughout the years, many people have found comfort in the organization.

"There are some for whom the box is the only thing they get from home," said Vogel. "Many of them go out of their way to thank the volunteers."

She smiled as she recalled a collect phone call she received from one soldier stationed in Japan who was overcome with appreciation.

"The call ended up costing me 15 dollars," she added, "but to me it was priceless."

Betty Vogel, Karin Schatz and everyone else involved in the Package Team tend to be publicity-shy, even as they seek to inform the community of their good cause.

"It's not about us; it's about the troops," Schatz told Endeavor News. "I am motivated by my belief that this is something that God wants me to do, but the real credit goes to the dozens and dozens of people who support the Package Team."

Anyone who would like to make a donation or assist with packing can contact Schatz at 486-0573 or schatzie@zito media.net.