Over the next six months, approximately 7,500 single soldiers will be returning home with the 3rd, 4th and 5th Stryker Brigades. Members of two organizations, the Air Force Sergeant's Association Auxiliary and Support America's Armed Forces, have teamed up and are preparing to welcome them home with a little something extra.

On a particularly wet and stormy Sunday afternoon, seven ladies stood outside the Tacoma Top Food & Drug for five hours in hopes of soliciting donations and support from shoppers. The slips handed out to customers listed requests from soldiers, from edible treats like beef jerky, sunflower seeds, and protein bars to necessary staples like body wash, deodorant and shampoo. Though the economy may be tight, it seemed as though one out of every 10 customers complied and made a donation.

"What we've found is that the same number of people give (as two years ago) but their donations aren't as sizeable. For example, one person used to give a bag full of items, but now they just give one item," said Carlene Joseph, who is in charge of fundraising for the local AFSA chapter.

All the items collected will eventually be distributed into individual care packages and left at the barracks for the soldiers.

"Every returning single soldier will get a package," stated Vicky Mohler, SAAF founder and president. In addition to collecting groceries, Mohler was also selling stuffed bears, representing every military branch, for $10. The proceeds from that sale go towards sending care packages overseas to deployed servicemembers.

At the end of the day, the group's efforts raised $200 in cash, six large boxes full of the requested products and three sold bears. All monetary donations are given back to AFSA to support Joint Base Lewis-McChord McChord Field activities. Donations can be made by visiting www.supportamericasarmedforces.com.