12/08/04
The Austin Firefighters Association asks the public to join them in donating needed items to U.S. soldiers overseas.
They will join "Momma Bear" in Operation Interdependence to send needed items to soldiers in Iraq.
Nina Gayheart, nicknamed "Momma Bear" by her son, works as a volunteer coordinator.
She started the program because her son James is serving in the military and knows how important care packages are to soldiers.
"The personal contact means so much to them. There are so many guys over there and women that don't get anything from home. And if we can provide that it's all the world to them," Gayheart said.
Firefighters set up barrels at 41 Austin fire stations to collect needed items. Items range from toiletries to personalized notes.
The firefighters kicked off the drive by donating $100 dollars and more than 100 specially designed t-shirts with a thank you message to the soldiers.