PRESS - KETK NBC Tyler, TX 12.4.14

Local moms helping our military

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

By Marlena Hamilton

MOUNT PLEASANT, TEXAS (KETK) — Everyone deserves to receive something special on Christmas. Especially, our men and women in the armed forces. So, a group of local moms decided to make this happen.

In 2013, Kellye Cooper's now 21-year-old son Chad joined the Marines. Cooper and two other mom's, who just had son's join the military, formed a group to support each other. But, they realized there was a greater need.

"Once we started, we realized the military members need our support, care and love especially during the holidays. So, we took it a step forward and started Ministering our Military," said Cooper.

Now, their group Ministering our Military, sends care packages to our troops, for every holiday.

"Not just Christmas but Valentines birthdays, St. Patrick's day, everything we can to remind them the people here, whether they're serving stateside or overseas, that they know we care about them," said Cooper.

They stock the care packages up with candy, crackers, canned goods and personalized notes.

"Every care package this Christmas will have a hand-written note from someone from our area," said Cooper.

It costs about $30 to 50 to make one box and about $20 to send. So, they appreciate any donations.

"Our military pay for every meal that they eat, they pay for every uniform they wear and that comes all out of their paycheck and their not paid that much so this is just a way for us to help them," said Cooper.

What started out as three mom's needing support while their child is away, has now turned into its own East Texas regiment, providing our military heroes with a little love from home.