Marine moms prepare Christmas gift packages for deployed soldiers

KVOA Tucson Channel 4 News ^ | Sandy Rathbun

[SandRat]

'Tis the season to share, and one local group that gives year-around, really goes all out this time of year.

It calls itself TAMMS, Tucson Area Marine Moms.

Cathy, who, like the other moms, prefers to use just her first name, picks up items off of a table.

She explains, "I am packing up boxes to send out to the troops," to Tucson Marines deployed in Iraq.

Cathy says, "Basically, I just go down the line and throw a little of this, a little of that. I've got to get some soap in there and some shampoo. I put some hot drinks in here, a little bit of snack food. I've got a wrapped present which really is Triscuits, but it's a surprise."

Tucson Area Marine Moms do this every month, but their Christmas boxes are extra special, packed with Christmas cards and handmade decorations.

Cathy says, "I can put some Christmas lights in this one. Yeh, now they'll have Christmas!"

Five moms started boxing and mailing goodies to Tucson Marines a year ago. Now, 30 moms are involved.

Margie, a Marine mom, says, "It's a good, good way to let them know we care about them. They're not forgotten."

This holiday, these Marine moms are sending about 100 boxes to sons and daughters and others.

Cathy says, "As TAMMS, that's one of our goals, is to give them all moms. Everybody over there needs to have a mom."

These moms get TAMMS's support too.

Michele, a Marine mom, says, "Because, until you have a son or a daughter go overseas, you don't really know how that feels."

Beverly Kay, another Marine mom, adds, "It's like that saying, 'Once a Marine, always a Marine.' And once a Marine mom, well then of course, you're always a Marine mom."

Tucson Area Marine Moms say that they always need donations. If you'd like to help, TAMMS

TAMMS email address is tamms@gainusa.com .

[SandRat]

TAMMS

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