Reported By: Kelley Dunn
March 3, 2006
For a soldier, there is nothing easy about serving in a war zone, but support on the home front can make all the difference. Melissa Sullivan knows that first hand. This Boca Raton college student started a care package program over a year ago as a way of simply saying thank you to our troops. For her dedication, Melissa is this week’s Kelley's Hero.
Melissa Sullivan was filled with all sorts of emotions when her boyfriend--a Marine--left for Iraq in January of 2005.
(Melissa Sullivan) "I started thinking I'm not the only one going through this...there must be hundred's of families going through this."
Melissa started sending Chris care packages right away, but worried about the Marines that might never receive a gift from home.
(Melissa) "They're over there in Iraq...what if they're not as lucky and don't have the support on the home front...it got me thinking and I decided to become involved."
So this FAU Sophomore made it her mission to send packages to as many Marines as possible. To date she's mailed more than 300. Snacks, toiletries and DVDs go into the boxes…along with a handwritten note. Melissa also includes a self addressed, stamped envelope, so she can know if the care package was received. Melissa has received many letters and emails – making it all worthwhile. She spoke about one of her favorite letters.
(Melissa) "It said ‘just knowing you spent time to send this over here and this could have been my last piece of mail is touching’...for me to read that- it blows me away."
When Chris returned from Iraq in October...Melissa heard firsthand how much her good deeds meant to his fellow Marines.
(Chris) “It boosted morale a lot. What happens is you get the packages and realize someone out there cares about em."
Even though Chris is now home, Melissa still sends care packages…and will continue to do so as long as Marines are putting their lives on the line.
(Melissa) "I get the knowledge of knowing from one simple action...I really changed someone’s day."
It costs Melissa almost twenty dollars to fill and send one care package – and she tries to mail 25 per month. She's quickly going through her savings to pay for everything.
She needs donations of snacks, toiletries and entertainment items.
If you would like to help:
Call (954) 678-7368 or
Email Melissa at MELISA.SULLIVAN@GMAIL.COM
Making a difference...one Marine at a time...
Melissa Sullivan is this week’s Kelley's Hero.
