Home for the holidays. It’s what we all want, but sometimes life gets in the way. For our men and women serving in the military, it’s responsibility that makes the call. But thanks to many groups and organizations, they are remembered with loving care packages that bring something homemade to even the most remote part of the world. The Thanksgiving issue of Taste of Home magazine profiles a caring and talented woman by the name of Christine Hofmann-Bourque, who is the founder of  The Strength Behind the Strong. She continues a family tradition of sending a taste of home through the mail with treat filled care packages. Hear why for Christine, it’s deeply personal. It’s about family.

   So what treats do we mail and what is the best way to accomplish a timely and intact delivery? It’s all in the planning, as Christine told me. And it’s not about doing something once a year, it’s keeping them in mind and on our hearts all year long. Would you like to send a care package to someone serving in the military? There are many here at home and throughout the world that would love for you to share the love. Mailing deadlines are approaching, so take a look and see when you need to get things in the mail! And please check with the Post Office, that will give you a free military mailing kit; call them at 1-800-610-8734, and ask for the Military Care Kit.

   There are many ways to express our thanks year round, and here’s a few to check out;

-Soldier’s Angels; this group matches military personnel and civilians.

-Who doesn’t need that caffeine jolt?! Check in with Cup of Joe who will send a gift certificate for coffee.

 -This is a neat one; Operation Santa by Citizen looks for those crafty people to make holiday stockings to be stuffed for our soldiers.

  -And of course, the USO which has the option of making a donation to sponsor a care package for the troops. And as we commemorate Veteran’s Day Friday, remember that just saying thank you can mean more than you’ve ever imagined. When home is a tent, or barracks far away from home, that touch home home will mean a great deal. And to our men and women who serve every day, we thank you for your service.

 WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN:

 If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace. ~Hamilton Fish