Troops stationed in Afghanistan offered a heartfelt thanks to members of the Wareham/New Bedford Elks Lodge #73 after receiving a shipment of care packages.

“Mail day is one of the biggest moral boosting events we have to look forward to. Things as simple as a new toothbrush, fresh razors, quality soap, or a simple snack brightens every paratrooper’s week,” wrote 1st Lt. Jonas Amaral in a letter to the Elks.

Over the course of five weeks, Elks collected donations during their weekly meat raffle fundraiser.

Amaral’s cousin, Jay Wybraniac, is the Elk who launched the drive. Amaral had mentioned to his cousin that his fellow troops were in need of lip balm. Wybraniac, an Army veteran himself, said he decided to put the call out for that item and more.

In total, the drive netted 1,400 items, including toothpaste, deodorant, candy and more, said Mike Ward, Chair of the Elks Veterans Committee.