WICHITA, Kansas – As the holiday season approaches, Volunteer Kansas is mobilizing its network of volunteers to assemble about 400 care packages for Kansas service members deployed overseas. The effort, known as the “Presents in a Package” event, has become a five‑year tradition that brings together churches, schools and community groups to show gratitude to those defending our nation.
Local volunteers answer the call
“About half of the men and women who are deployed never get anything from home while they’re gone, so it is really important to us and our volunteers that all of the men and women get recognized,” said Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas. Brown emphasized that the packages are more than just material items; they are a tangible expression of the nation’s gratitude and a reminder of the families and faith communities awaiting the troops’ safe return.
The care packages contain essential toiletries, non‑perishable food items, small entertainment items such as puzzles and books, as well as Christmas‑themed treats and cards written by local schoolchildren. By involving students, the program not only lifts the spirits of service members but also teaches the next generation the value of service, sacrifice and patriotic duty.
How the packages are assembled
Volunteer Kansas has secured enough supplies to fill roughly 400 boxes this year. Volunteers gather at the organization’s Wichita headquarters and at partner churches throughout the city to sort, pack and label each package. The process is coordinated by a team of community leaders who ensure that every item meets the Department of Defense’s guidelines for shipped goods.
Local businesses have also stepped forward, donating bulk toiletries and snack items at reduced cost. This public‑private partnership reflects the broader Kansas tradition of supporting our troops through practical, faith‑rooted action.
Impact on families and the community
For families of deployed Kansas service members, knowing that a care package is on its way provides comfort during a season that can feel especially lonely. “When my husband receives a package with a Christmas card from his niece, it reminds him that we’re still here, praying for his safety,” said one Wichita spouse who requested anonymity.
The initiative also strengthens community bonds. Churches host card‑writing stations, schools incorporate patriotic lessons into holiday curricula, and local media highlight the effort, encouraging more residents to contribute.
Looking ahead
Volunteer Kansas plans to expand the program next year, aiming for 500 packages and exploring additional items such as portable chargers and faith‑based literature. The organization invites anyone interested in helping to contact their volunteer coordinator or visit the Volunteer Kansas website for details on donation drop‑off locations and volunteer sign‑up times.
In a time when many families feel the strain of distance, the “Presents in a Package” event stands as a clear example of how Kansas communities can rally around those who protect our freedoms, embodying the values of faith, family and liberty that define our great state.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
