Blue Star Mothers of the Upstate calls on community for deployment care packages and cards

Local military mothers are calling on the Upstate community to help pack and send encouragement, comfort, and practical care to service members preparing for upcoming deployments.

Blue Star Mothers of the Upstate SC#4 is actively assembling to-go travel bags for troops heading out on long journeys by bus and plane. Packing sessions begin this Wednesday, with additional packing dates scheduled in the coming weeks. Chapter leaders are requesting immediate donations from community members, civic groups, schools, and local families.

Organizers are outfitting portable string bags with travel-friendly essentials, snacks, and personal touches designed to keep spirits high and travel comfortable.

About Blue Star Mothers of the Upstate

Blue Star Mothers of the Upstate SC#4 is made up of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and foster mothers whose sons and daughters are currently serving or have previously served in the Military, National Guard, or Reserves. As a local chapter within the national Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., the group is a non-partisan, non-political organization dedicated to supporting one another, their children, active-duty military personnel, and veterans.

Beyond seasonal deployment drives, the chapter maintains a constant presence throughout the region:

• Community Events: Members regularly participate in Military Appreciation events across the Upstate and attend national holiday gatherings to promote patriotism.
• Bi-Annual Pack Outs: Twice each year, the chapter mails large care packages directly to deployed service members. Each spring, they send Girl Scout cookies donated by the local Girl Scout office, followed by holiday packages sent out later in the year.
• Veteran Outreach: Every year, the organization participates in the Charles Judge Stand Down event, supplying essential personal care items for homeless veterans. The group also actively takes part in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.

“Calling All Card Heroes”

In addition to travel supplies, the chapter has launched a special call for handmade and handwritten cards to place in every single bag.

Teachers, Sunday school classes, scout troops, clubs, daycare programs, and families are invited to write “Thank You for Your Service” notes and messages of encouragement. Whether simple or detailed, these personal notes serve as a direct reminder to deploying troops that their home community stands behind them.

Items Needed for Deployment Bags

Donations of the following travel-sized and non-perishable goods are requested:

• Travel snacks: Beef jerky, chewing gum, and easy-to-eat snacks suitable for flights or bus rides
• Hydration & wellness: Liquid I.V. (or similar electrolyte drink mixes), Emergen-C packets, single-use eye drops, lip balm, and sunscreen
• Personal care: Pocket-sized tissue packs and refreshing cleansing wipes
• Downtime entertainment: Puzzle books, card games, pens, and gently used paperback books
• Monetary & online support: Amazon gift cards to help purchase string bags, or items purchased directly from the chapter’s official Amazon Wish List

Drop-Off and Shipping Details

Items and cards can be shipped directly or dropped off at the local collection location:

• Address:

Kimberley McCarthy

Blue Star Mothers of the Upstate

819 Laurel Meadows Parkway

Greenville, SC 29607

(Located directly behind the Mauldin Library)

• Direct Online Orders: Items ordered through the Amazon Wish List can be shipped straight to the chapter.

Because packing begins this week, early drop-offs and shipments are encouraged.

To learn more about the organization, upcoming pack outs, or ways to get involved, visit their official website at bsmupstatesc4.org. For questions or community partnerships, Chapter President Martha Austin can be reached directly via email at [email protected].