Spokane organization sends packages to troops | News

Operation Spokane Heroes has always worked to support local veterans who come back to the Inland Northwest from war. Now the organization is working to help troops that are still overseas.

Sandy Kates has been the chair of Operation Spokane Heroes for five years. She's now helping to collect toiletries to send to Manas Air Force Base in Kyrgyzstan.

"They're in need of supplies for the troops who come ther on their way to be deployed to other places. They're there for a few days," said Kates.

Kates said they mostly send things we take for granted.

"They need toiletry items and toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soaps and even flip flops. (They need) little items like that for the few days they're there and travel size things," said Kates.

However, the organizatio said sending the packages are not easy.

"We've been doing mailing packages about (a small size). That is about $15 to mail it over. It takes about a month to get to them though," said Kates. "If there's any freight companies out there that can help us with that, we would really love that. Any companies that would like to sponsor that for us to do that would be wonderful."

Spokane has already been a huge supporter of the project, but they still need help.

"The response has been amazing and so that's really great. We can always use more, you know, I don't want to saw that we have enough, but our biggest thing right now is just getting it to the troops," said Kates.

Operations Spokane said the help is worth it, as the troops deserve all the aid we can give them.

"Look, what they're doing for us and our freedom, and ya know, I just think they're sacrificing so much for us. They're families are sacrificing so much for us. It's a passion of mine and I can't do enough for the troops and thank them enough for their service," said Kates.