Chattanooga Non-Profit Sending Care Packages to Troops Overseas
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A woman in Chattanooga starts a non-profit that's sending care packages to troops overseas and helping military families at home.
On this week's Pay It Forward, Jessica Harthorn surprises the founder of Friends of the Troops.
Jessica Duke started her non-profit two years ago, and now its expanded to 30 states.
She says many military members who lack support at home, need to know they're not forgotten.
The smiles on these faces are priceless.
Snack foods, comfy clothing and letters of encouragement with a big thank you for their service.
Vietnam veteran Ben Boston volunteers with the organization.
"A lot of these troops that we are supporting, generally do not have a lot of home support, so it's nice that someone remembers them and thinks about them, so that they feel like they are not forgotten," said Ben.
Ben also adopted troops overseas and sends them items that makes it feel more like home.
"I remember during those time periods how important it was to get mail from family and friends, and the highlights were the times you would get a goody box from home," said Ben.
Friends of the Troops was started by Jessica Duke in Chattanooga.
Just recently, her organization sent care packages to Navy nurses deployed to New York hospitals during the pandemic.
Supplies were even airdropped to support combat medics overseas.
"What she's doing is affecting so many peoples lives," said Ben.
Now she's at home preparing another shipment, so Ben knew right where to find her.
"Hey, how are you doing?" asked Ben.
"Oh, hello!" said Jessica as she came to the door.
"On behalf of Newschannel9 and the McMahan Law Firm, we would like to Pay It Forward to you for all of the stuff that you do, and all the time you spend for all of our troops and service personnel, and we would like to thank you very much for it," said Ben.
"Oh my goodness, you are so sweet," said Jessica.
"1, 2, 3, 4, $500," surprised Ben.
"There are so many deserving service members serving overseas right now that don't have family to support them, and this money will go towards some of the care packages, so thank you guys so much," said Jessica.
Moments later, Jessica showed Ben her latest project.
600 items will soon be donated to the V.A. hospital in Murfreesboro.
Basic items like undergarments will be given to patients who are homeless female veterans.
"It's the little things you don't think about and take for granted," said Jessica.
Jessica says she never takes volunteers like Ben for granted, and says Friends of the Troops will do what it can to honor, aid and encourage military members in times of need.