Packages to the troops:

Lana and Roger Myers, founders of W.H.E.A.T. - We Honor Every American Troop, a nonprofit in LaCrosse which sends care packages to troops overseas, plans to send 25 packages this month for the holiday season.

Roger Myers, president of W.H.E.A.T., said that they have assembled a board of directors consisting of diverse members of the community.

The board of directors consists of Roger Myers, Kathleen Parker, Jody Carter, Georgia Wells and Terry Miller.

On Nov. 19, the IRS issued W.H.E.A.T. its employer identification number. With this EIN all donations collected since the incorporation date will be retroactively tax-deductible upon IRS approval.

With the goal of sending 25 packages this month, Roger offered four ways residents can help.

Roger said one way to contribute would be by making financial donations.

“Donations can be made at any Bank of Eastern Washington/Oregon branch in the name of W.H.E.A.T. or donors can send a check, payable to W.H.E.A.T., P.O. Box 253, LaCrosse, WA 99143,” Myers said. “It will cost nearly $500 to mail 25 more care packages this month and we need all the help that we can get.”

The second option for helping this month is by donating goods to send overseas.

Lana Myers has previously said that non-generic items are requested by soldiers because these are products they miss from home.

Donated goods the nonprofit is requesting is Slim Jims, "snack-size" peanut butter packs, granola bars like Nature Valley and Clif bars and lastly unscented baby wipes.

Donations can be dropped off in LaCrosse at Carter Foods or Startin's Repair on S. Main St. or in Colfax at Truly You Clothing & More on N. Main St.

The third way to help is by sending notes or cards addressed “Dear Soldier” to W.H.E.A.T., P.O. Box 253, LaCrosse, WA 99143. These personal notes are included in each care package.

Roger said the LaCrosse School District students already have provided many cards and welcome schools, retirement homes, businesses, virtually everyone to join in sending personal notes to those serving overseas.

“This is right up our alley and has been a long-standing tradition to help with causes that support our troops,” said Jeff Gates ASB advisor for the LaCrosse School District. “We're helping W.H.E.A.T. support the troops by bringing in donated items, packaging the items, and making cards to send in the care packages.”

Gates said he hopes the students gain an appreciation for what our service personnel are doing and that everyone can take part in supporting the troops.

The last way for residents to help this holiday seasons is providing a place for goods to be dropped off.

“We're looking for additional locations where people can drop-off donated goods,” Roger said. “If you're a business, school, government office, etc., and are interested in serving as a donation site in Colfax or surrounding areas, please call.”

Those interested in serving as a drop off location can call Roger at 509-830-7730.

Overall, their goal is to send at least two care packages every week, year-round.

Roger reiterated that the mission statement of W.H.E.A.T. is "to boost the morale of troops deployed abroad through their full deployment with high quality, frequent care packages and handwritten letters."

“As always, W.H.E.A.T. has operated and will continue to do so with the highest standards, transparency and accountability,” Roger said. “The 501(c)(3) will continue to run 100 percent on donated goods, time, services and funds.”

A location, off LaCrosse Airport Road, has been secured for the nonprofit operation. This property will house the nonprofit office, warehouse storage facility and its own shipping site sometime in the future.

Currently, W.H.E.A.T. is working to have an email and website available to the public soon. Until then if there are any questions or if wanting to donate items or funds call 509-549-STAR (7827) or 509-945-1314.