Maine volunteers pack 1,000 care packages for troops spending holidays away from home

BREWER, Maine (WABI) - Volunteers gathered at Box of Maine on Veterans Day with a common mission: send a little comfort from home to Maine service members spending the holidays far away.

The group packed 1,000 care packages filled with Maine-made products as part of the Maine Soldier Box program. 35 area businesses sponsored the effort, while students at 15 schools in the region contributed hundreds of thank-you cards.

For returning volunteers and newcomers alike, the event was a way to honor those who have served while supporting those serving today.

“It feels good to bring people together as a community and I do think that there’s something special about Maine when it comes to that,” said Daniel Finnemore, owner of Box of Maine.

A community effort

Box of Maine has put together care packages for Maine service members for about a decade. The business invited the community to help pack boxes three years ago, and the effort has grown each year.

Veterans, families, neighbors and children joined this year’s packout. The goal is to ship the care packages by November 30.

“Just happy to be here and supporting the folks overseas,” volunteer Gerry said.

Bangor Savings Bank sponsored the packing event. Moe’s Original BBQ provided catering, and Tim Hortons supplied coffee and donuts.

A special thank-you for veterans

Among the volunteers was 10-year-old Evan Hunter, who also gives back through his own initiative, Evan’s Veterans Project. WABI introduced viewers to Evan last year.

Evan hands out cards and creates gifts to thank local veterans for their service. After the packout, he planned to deliver more cards.

“It makes them feel like they’re heard and makes them feel like they’re loved,” Evan said.

For more information about the effort or how to support it, visit the Maine Soldier Box program page