CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Volunteers with Operation Support Our Troops America, based in Lisle, have packed their 2 millionth pound of care-package items for troops serving overseas.
The warehouse was buzzing with activity as volunteers packed boxes.
Deb Rickert started the organization 16 years ago when her two sons were deployed.
She said she never thought she’d still be going.
What started with care packages for troops on Valentine’s Day is now an every-other-week operation, with volunteers packing care packages of donated comfort items.
Rickert said the motto is “as long as they are there, we will be here.”
Saturday's volunteers included Gold Star families, those whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice.
Rickert said hitting the 2 million mark was bittersweet and said she hopes for the day when what the organization is doing is no longer necessary.