Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Sandra Yi reportingThe Department of Defense is asking that unsolicited mail, such as care packages or other mail from non-family members, headed to US troops overseas come to a stop.
The Government says the packages can provide an avenue for dangerous substances or materials to enter into the military mail system.
They can also take up valuable space needed for military supplies.
One Utah woman hopes that announcement won't hinder her efforts to get care packages to the troops overseas.
So far - she has collected hundreds of items for the soldiers.
Carla Hitz found herself wondering what she could do - to help the men and women at war.
That's when she came up with the idea called - 'Operation We Love Our Soldiers'.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "I'VE GOT NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS. GATORADE, KOOL-AID."
Carla Hitz has a room full of ordinary items - for an extraordinary mission.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "SOMEONE CAME AND DROPPED OFF 3 BIG BAGS OF SAMPLE SIZED ITEMS."
There are boxes of what most consider to be basic necessities - like toilet paper and toothpaste.
Luxury items - for soldiers.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "THEY DON'T HAVE A 7-11 NEXT DOOR TO GO TO. SUPPLIES ARE HARD TO COME BY."
Hitz recently started collecting items - for the men and women fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
She fears for their safety but is grateful for their duty.
Her own son - is in Kuwait... an army officer with the 101st Airborne.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "MY ONLY MOTIVATION IS TO LIFT THE SPIRITS AND RAISE THEIR MORALE. I DON'T WANT THEM TO THINK WE DON'T CARE ABOUT THEM."
Hitz started her project called 'Operation We Love Our Soldiers' - a few weeks ago. She is putting together care packages that will be distributed among random soldiers.
So far - hundreds of people have donated items to send to the troops.
Included are treats - like girl scouts cookies, candy and gum. Also heartfelt thank you's from their fans at home.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "HERE'S A 3 YEAR OLD THAT WANTED TO DRAW A PICTURE FOR A SOLDIER. NOW IF THAT DOESN'T TOUCH A SOLDIER'S HEART, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL."
Hitz says regardless of political opinion - Americans should be thankful for the courage of our soldiers.
She says - it's the least anyone can do - for the sacrifice the troops have made for freedom.
Carla Hitz/Operation We Love Our Soldiers: "THAT'S WHAT I WANT THE SOLDIER TO KNOW, THAT THE PACK OF GUM THAT HE'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO CHEW, OR THE TOOTHBRUSH OR THE TOOTHPASTE THAT HE'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO USE, WAS SENT FROM THE PERSON THAT IS SUPPORTING HIM."
Hitz is working with the Utah National Guard and Hill Air Force Base - to mail those care packages.
