The Heart of Texas Chapter of the Buckmasters American Deer Foundation (BADF) made a generous donation to Care Packages for the Troops on Wednesday afternoon.

Chapter president Tim Schoen and Larry Hart, National Regional Director, presented a check for $500 to Tori Butler at AgMart where additional donations are being collected.  Butler, a Marine wife, was inspired to gather donations to send care packages to the troops after sending a package to her own husband and learning how many Marines never receive such packages.  Tori’s husband Jared, who is stationed in the Middle East, shared his care package with friends and told his wife how much it meant to all of the Marines that enjoyed its contents.  They decided it would be great to gather more items to be able to help out more of the troops and their K9 troops.

“People like you make it easy to do this,” said Tori to Schoen and Hart.  She was overwhelmed by the response the Facebook group ‘Care Packages for the Troops’ has received from the Brownwood community.  “We don’t have a specific goal but oh my gosh,” she stated of the help she has received with the project.

Schoen thanked Tori for her efforts. “You did a great thing.  We saw some shares (on Facebook about Care Packages for the Troops) and knew we needed to help.  Anything military – we’re all in,” said Schoen.  Heart of Texas chapter of BADF also sponsors four Wounded Warrior guided hunts a year, as well as hunts for terminally ill children and Gold Star kids (children of military members who are killed in action).

Tori explained that a friend had even helped her to get a sponsor, Stanley Dodge in Brownwood, to help pay for the shipping for the care packages.   Other groups that are collecting items for the troops include TexasBank, Ag Mart, Heartland Association of Realtors, Western Bank, to name a few.

Suggested items for donation include:  bars of soap (unscented preferably), travel size toothpaste, travel size shaving cream, jerky, candy (not chocolate), gum, protein bars, individual drink mixes, travel sized shampoo, toothbrushes, fruit snacks, crackers, cookies, fruit cups, granola bars, card games, foam balls, puzzle books and hacky sacks.  All food items should be in single serve packaging.

Donations for K9 Troops include:  Kong toys (large), K9 cooling mats, nail clippers, brushes, heavy duty chew toys, collapsible water bowls, shampoo, paw/nose salve, K9 toothpaste and toothbrushes, treats (made in the USA only).

Collections will continue through Saturday and care packages will be mailed out on Monday.  Those interested in donating may bring items to any of the above locations or email Tori at ttruelove2@angelo.edu.

Pictured above are Larry Hart, Tim Schoen, and Tori Butler.  Below is a photo contributed by Tori Butler of troops with care packages sent previously.