Madison Church of Christ youth packed ‘care packages’ in 2016 when church members shipped 120 care packages to military members. The 2017 goal is 200 packages. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – During February, Madison Church of Christ members are assembling ‘spring care packages’ for U.S. military members deployed around the world.

“The annual tradition began last year and it was originally intended to be a service project at the church, but some local schools got involved,” Rick King said. King is coordinator for the church’s military outreach.

Several businesses heard about it and asked about being involved in the future. As a result, our elders gave permission to lead an annual service project for all of Madison,” King said.

Mike Kersjes, Military Student Transition Coach for Huntsville City Schools, volunteered in 2016 and will again coordinate involvement with Madison City and Huntsville City schools. In addition, several teachers who attend Madison Church of Christ are organizing collections at their schools.

Students, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will write letters and make cards for each care package. Church members will supply a small New Testament Bible.

Church and youth group members will sort, pack and mail boxes. Rick King and wife Molly will work with Madison Chamber of Commerce to promote the event to businesses. They will contact Redstone Arsenal chaplains about military locations that receive the least amount of mail and gifts.

Molly King suggested several types of donations:

* Individually wrapped snacks, granola, energy bars, gum, mints and candy (no chocolate).

* Canned snack chips and food with pull tabs, including fruits and meats.

* Compact games, like cards, travel board or electronic items.

* Lip balm, petroleum jelly and lotion.

* Nuts and trail mixes, beef jerky and meat sticks.

* Individual, powdered drink mixes that flavor water.

* Word puzzle books, pens and pencils and small pencil sharpener.

* Coloring books for adults and colored pencils (no crayons). Small novelty toys and brain teasers.

* All sizes zip-lock bags and unscented wet wipes.

“To help with this community-wide service project, you can drop off donations for care packages at Madison Church of Christ, 556 Hughes Road,” Molly King said. “Each care package costs $13.65 to mail, so you can also donate funds to help with postage. Make checks payable to ‘Madison Church of Christ’ and designate ‘We Love our Military Month.’” 

Organizers encourage businesses, individuals and schools to fly flags and put messages on signs and billboards promoting the event. For more information, call 256-772-3911.