Nov. 13 was a cool, rainy Sunday morning - the kind where many burrowed deeper beneath warm blankets. Yet 43 volunteers attended a Support America's Armed Forces (SAAF) event at the American Legion Post 67 in Puyallup to make care packages for troops in Afghanistan.

SAAF and the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the Unites States Army (AUSA) collected and assembled supplies, and by midday more than 400 packages of candy, cookies, beef jerky, CDs, and DVDs were packed.

"Our goal is 500 packages," said Carlene Joseph, AUSA president, "I think we're well on the way."

SAAF is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and subcommittee of the Pierce Military and Business Alliance (PMBA). With the generous support of local businesses and individuals, it collectively makes care packages for Servicemembers possible during the holidays.

"We have a great turn out and I'm so grateful," said SAAF Founder and President Vicky Mohler, who has been sending packages and volunteering since SAAF's inception in 2004.

 At day's end, 522 packages were shipped.

For more information visit www.supportamericasarmedforces.com