Just over 50 packages were sent that day. Five years later, it's common for the all-volunteer group to send out an average of 200 boxes a month. Last November and December, the group exceeded expectations when around 1,200 packages were mailed at its new home at the Warrenton Armory. "It's a good feeling I get," said Goodies For You founder Sharrie Kreh about the monthly endeavors. "It's like a homecoming. (The volunteers) are ready to work when they arrive," she said. Two days every month, the volunteers operate out of the armory. The group meets the second Thursday of every month to sort through the donated items. The following day volunteers go through an assembly line and put the products inside a homemade drawstring bag. Each care package contains personal care items, such as shampoo, socks, toothbrushes, as well as snacks, games and handwritten cards. In addition, each bag contains a star cut from a retired American flag. In letters sent to Kreh from soldiers, they often thank her for the items, but many focus on the star and tell her how they wear it proudly while on patrols. To them, the star serves a symbol of safety. For Kreh and the others, the letters motivate them to keep supporting the soldiers and show their appreciation. Since Kreh founded the organization when her son was stationed in Iraq, G4U has mailed over 9,000 care packages. "I usually have two feelings when I do this," Kreh explained. "One is why do I do this? Two, how can I ever stop? Just when I think I don't have the energy, I get a wonderful note from a soldier." However, G4U is asking for the public's help. Like many other organizations in the area, the economic crunch has been an extra burden on G4U. It's often mistaken that G4U mails its packages free, but to get the packages overseas costs almost 50 percent of the funds donated to the group. One box can cost anywhere between $35 to $41 to ship. "As soon as (the money) comes in, it goes out," said Robert Braendle, G4U volunteer. The support from the community has been overwhelming, Kreh said. From churches to businesses to other organizations, many volunteer their time at the monthly packings. Others donate money from fundraisers of their own. Last Thursday, the Warrenton Appleblee's donated 10 percent of their proceeds to the group. This Saturday, G4U will host a barbecue from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the gazebo located along Elm Street in Wright City. All proceeds will go toward items or postage. In an effort to raise awareness about the group and its mission, G4U established its own Web site www.g4ufromheretothere.org/home. Kreh said she's willing to talk to any organization to help get the message out about G4U. While downplaying her role in G4U's existence, Kreh thanks all the other volunteers for their contributions. "We found an abundance of people in the county willing to help," she said. "It gives them a feeling of worth. It takes a commitment to believe in this."