A long-standing tradition continued this week in Sanders County, one that began in 1941 with the outbreak of World War II. 

Volunteers from the VFW Post 3596 Women’s Auxiliary assembled 20 Christmas care packages for Sanders County service members stationed around the globe. This year’s farthest-traveling package is headed to the United Kingdom.

As with last year, six Auxiliary members took part in preparing the boxes: Dave and Janet Brandon, Karen Royse, Judy Williams, Cindy Gray and Nora Verboorten. 

Verboorten has been involved in assembling care packages since 1985, inspired by her husband Bill, a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps who served in the Philippines during World War II.

Most of the 30 items included in each package were donated by local residents and businesses. The boxes contained socks, toiletries, hats, candy and other comfort items. 

Several area businesses contributed financially to the effort with Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort donating $500 and St. James Catholic Church providing $200. The Clark Fork Valley Hospital also contributed funds.