"Gone but not forgotten," was a phrase often used during the Vietnam War to let soldiers who were prisoners there know that they were still remembered by their U.S. families.
Today, Deborah Crane, president and founder of Treats for Troops, has made it her company's mission to let the thousands of military men and women serving overseas know that they too are remembered back home.
Treats for Troops provides an easy and convenient way for anyone to send care packages to the troops year-round. The company's Web site offers gift packages with snacks, supplies and essentials to make a soldier's life a little bit easier.
While sponsors send thousands of packages through Treats for Troops over the holidays, Crane believes it is important to do so any time of the year.
"Our mission is to provide support for our troops all year long, not just at the holidays. Sending a package in the summer lets the troops know they're not forgotten," she said.
Treats for Troops recently launched a "Christmas in July" promotion featuring summer packages in special red, white and blue tote bags with names like "Old Glory," "Picnic Pack," "Summer Smiles" and "Three Cheers." The packages contain a variety of all-American treats and gifts, including small American flags; Tootsie Rolls wrapped in patriotic paper and sugar cookies decorated in American colors; summer "picnic" fare like lemonade and Gatorade; and outside toys like beach balls and kites.
In addition, there are "Beat the Heat" packages that contain things to help soldiers keep cool, like MiraCool Bandanas, wet wipes, sunscreen and bug repellent.
Any e-mails and notes from soldiers are forwarded by Treats for Troops to the sponsors who send packages.
"I would like to thank you for the items that were sent to me. At times like this, a little thank you from home along with goodies goes a long way," wrote one recipient in a note of thanks. "It's people like you on the home front that make doing what I do a lot easier and more gratifying."