ST. CLOUD -- For 14 years, "Becky's Troop Care Packages" have been trying to serve soldiers deployed overseas.

To date they've sent over 4,000 care packages, and won't be slowing down anytime soon.

Founder Becky Carlson says their care packages consist of treats to take soldiers' minds off of things.

"I give them beef jerky, life savers, breakfast bars, gum, kool-aid packets and water flavoring powder, along with cookies and other treats."

Carlson says her motivation originally came from losing her brother in Vietnam.

"I lost my brother in Vietnam in 1966, and back then it was pretty cold when you lost somebody, and I felt bad and hoped no other families would have to go through that, and I thought what could I do, and eventually started this."

Carlson runs the non-profit out of her own home. The group operates on the principle of, "Got Freedom, Thank a Soldier."

Carlson also "adopts" families of deployed soldiers during the holiday season, playing Santa by bringing the family a vehicle "full of Christmas."

The group has a Spaghetti Dinner & Auction Event Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Sauk Rapids VFW Post 6992.

The cost is eight dollars a plate, and a silent auction will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a live auction at 8:00 p.m.

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