Care package organization receives 50-laptop donation

But the laptops are actually a donation made to the Afghanistan Care Package Fund.

Stinton, of Le Mars, started the care package program last August, following the deployment last July of her son-in-law, Scott Tillman, to Afghanistan.

(Photo contributed) Fifty laptops were donated to the Afghanistan Care Package Fund -- an organization established by Kerri Stinton, of Le Mars. Stinton said soldiers could use the computers for watching DVDs, listening to CDs or keeping journals. [Click to enlarge]

Creating the program was a way for her to let him and other soldiers know other people are thinking about them.

The laptops came from a Sioux City corporation.

This company upgrades its computers every six or seven years.

Instead of destroying them, one employer of that organization -- a long time friend of Sinton -- presented the option of donating the laptops to Afghanistan Care Package Fund, Stinton said.

While the laptops do have some age, Stinton said they're still in good condition.

"They will be of good use to our guys and gals overseas," Stinton said.

Of the 50 laptops, Stinton will give 40 to the National Guard, of Sioux City, who will disperse the computers among local people being deployed overseas, Stinton said.

The remaining 10 laptops Stinton will keep to fill local requests.

Currently she has four, such as one from a woman who has a relative -- Josh Merry, originally of Spencer -- in Afghanistan, Stinton explained.

"Most soldiers don't have wireless Internet connections but they can still use the computers for watching DVDs, listening to CDs, keeping journals," Stinton said.

She also hoped the computers could give them their own little space away from the battle field.

When asked how she was going to ship a laptop overseas, Stinton said with a laugh, "Very carefully. I'll try one this week and see how it goes from there."

Her fear is not how the laptop will handle the two-week trip to its destination but rather if it'll get in the right hands.

"I've never had a box I've sent come back so I'll just have to wait to see if Josh gets the package," said Stinton.

Anyone can request a laptop to be sent to a soldier they know overseas.

If a request is made, Stinton would also like a monetary donation to help cover the shipping costs.

Other dollars or supply donations can be made at any time to the Afghanistan Care Package Fund.

Donations made to the Afghanistan Care Package Fund are used to purchase and ship items to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Those wishing to give items can contact Stinton, 712-540-1430, visit the fund's website, www.afghanistanbound.com, or drop off money for the Afghanistan Care Package Fund at American Bank in Le Mars.