News Lifestyles Editor

Volunteers with Operation Pioneer Spirit will reach a new milestone tomorrow when they pack the 4,000th care package to be sent to soldiers with area ties who are currently deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. The impact these thoughtful boxes have on our troops is described in a letter received last week by Operation Pioneer Spirit founder, Mary Anne Potter.

In the letter shared by Potter, the base's chaplain describes the number of people — soldiers and civilians, including children — impacted by these packages.

The Freedom Camp's location in northern Afghanistan is so isolated that without the care packages, Chaplain Matt writes, the soldiers literally would go without.

"There is extremely limited access locally for items for the soldiers. You have greatly helped to improve the quality of life with your generosity."

According to the chaplain's letter, when a Pioneer Spirit care package arrives, it is immediately opened and sorted. All the materials go to the free thrift store located at the camp. All items are then made available to the soldiers 24/7.

"When we receive one of your Pioneer Spirit care packages, it is immediately opened and sorted. All the materials go to the free Thrift Store at the camp. All the items are put in this one location and are available for the soldiers 24/7."

"These items are deÞnitely life support items. As soon as they are placed on the shelves, they are immediately gone. Every one knows when a shipment of Pioneer Spirit care packages arrives.

Other gifts are given to the local Afghan soldiers, police, and local population for humanitarian drops. These materials help greatly in winning the hearts and minds of the local population in the effort of the global war on terrorism," he writes.

He concluded his letter with items the soldiers request for helping achieve their humanitarian goals including Crayons/paper, pens, pencils, sharpeners, soccer balls, hand pumps and needles, Beanie Babies, harmonicas, kazoos, playdough, glue, calculators, Þrst aid kits, Frisbees and ßashlights.

"Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you and your commitment," he concluded.

Volunteers will gather Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Pioneer Woman Museum to begin packing the "Christmas" shipment of Operation Pioneer Spirit care packages. If you have items to send you are asked to bring them to the Museum tomorrow morning. Volunteers gather the third Tuesday and Wednesday of each month at the Museum located at 701 Monument in Ponca City.

Tuesday is dedicated to assembling the care packages.

The next day is for filling out customs forms and address labels and then taking the 100-plus packages to an area post office.

Operation Pioneer Spirit sent its first round of care packages on Aug. 9, 2006. Since then veterans of all ages, children and teachers from area schools, churches, civic organizations, individuals and businesses have helped to fill these boxes and contribute more than $50,000 to pay for postage.