February 11, 2009

A group of student volunteers with the Madison House at the University of Virginia are collecting donations for care packages to send to the troops overseas.

Christina Palenta, a fourth year student, helped organize the third annual Operation Semper Fi program. She says the spring is a time when troops are less likely to receive thoughts and gifts from those at home, because the holidays, and the spirit of giving, is over.

The care packages can contain DVD's, iTunes gift cards, and food products like candy and munchies.

When the program started, volunteers collected enough donations to send 26 care packages. By the second year that number jumped over 50% to 62. This year, students hope to send at least 100 care packages by April 3.

Donations can be placed in boxes at Madison House on Rugby Road in Charlottesville, various spots on UVA grounds, and in some local Starbucks stores. Madison House is also accepting money donations. Visit Madisonhouse.org for donation information.