“Adopt a Soldier” is a program that was developed to help supply basic health needs to U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

Conceived and directed by Margie Smith, a retired Sears employee living in Union City, the program helps answer the needs of deserving soldiers fighting the war against terrorism in Iraq. Inspired by news supplied to her through her son-in-law, Michael Archey, from Clinton, Ky., now stationed in Iraq, Smith developed “Adopt a Soldier.”

When Smith got word that many American soldiers were deficient in basic supplies to aid in hygiene, health and daily needs, she started asking for donations. Donations can be made to the “Adopt a Soldier” bank account available at any First Citizens Bank.

In addition to monetary donations, Smith boxes up and sends useful items to the soldiers and has distributed fliers to many local businesses that list the items most needed. Most of the items are inexpensive by our standards but make a big difference.

“Our soldiers have no PX in Iraq to buy supplies and many of the soldiers give their supplies to the kids in Iraq.

“Children are wandering the streets without food, shoes or clothes that are adequate for the cooler night temperatures,” said Smith.

She recently sent 24 soccer balls to Iraq for the soldiers and the children and inexpensive cartons of noodles.

Smith’s generosity is unceasing in this effort. She welcomes any small donation and has a great many “thanks you” letters from soldiers in Iraq that express their gratitude for her unselfish efforts.

Smith encourages those that donate to send a card or address to the soldiers so that they can send you individual thanks.

Most soldiers in remote areas even need stationary or writing paper in order to correspond. According to Smith’s son-in-law, the soldiers refer to donors as “the caring Americans from the Volunteer State.”

Smith is a 70-year-old active senior, who stills plays and teaches tennis. She has the vitality of a much younger citizen, and her dedication to tennis is only exceeded by her unselfish efforts for the soldiers in Iraq and the “Adopt a Soldier” program.

In addition to monetary donations to the “Adopt a Soldier” account, there is a “Patriotic Tree” item drop box located at the VF Outlet Mall in Union City.

Smith works with retired army veterans selling patriotic pins for $3 apiece in their “America Cares” campaign to raise money to assist with expenses for soldiers that need to come back home in times of emergencies.

Smith says that almost everyone in the local area knows her or has heard about her program. She believes, however, that much more can be done.

The list for disposable razors, baby wipes, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, AA and C batteries, bug repellent (with Deet), flea collars (worn around their boots), cleaning rags, queen size panty hose (worn to ward off the bugs), fly paper, Corn Huskers lotion, Gold Bond powder, eye drops, and large trash bags are just a few of the items that would mean so much to the health and hygiene of a soldier in Iraq.

Smith welcomes community groups, sororities, fraternities, clubs, church, and membership groups to assist in her efforts.

No gift or donation is too small to help make one soldier have a better day. Smith welcomes calls and can be reached at 731-885-9730.