12.19.2006 - 01:23pm ET

(CSRwire) CHICAGO, IL ., December 19, 2006– Answering the call of a challenge, the Firemen's Knights of Columbus of Chicago and the Chicago Firefighters have collected over 1000 boxes of personal items for deployed soldiers and marines this holiday season. 1200 priority mail boxes were distributed to 100 fire houses in the Chicago area with the request of filling each box with personal items for deployed soldiers. Contacts were made with Chaplains at five operating bases in theater who will then distribute the boxes to the troops. Appropriately on December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day), the first shipment of 850 boxes were mailed.

Jack McKay, the gentleman in charge of this effort, is collecting more boxes today to round up a second shipment overseas. Each box cost $8.10 to mail, meaning that the project needed to raise funds to make sure the boxes could make it overseas. USA Cares proudly contributed $5000 to this effort to ensure deserving troops would receive their packages.

"I would like to thank USA Cares, the Chicago Firefighters, Knights of Columbus and everyone who made this project possible," said Mr. McKay. "I’m glad we could provide some packages to our troops this holiday season." Dennis Cortes, the USA Cares Board Member who presented Mr. McKay with the check commented, "We are honored to work with the Chicago Firefighters and Knights of Columbus in expressing our gratitude and solidarity with our troops on the front line. This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when various groups come together, united by a common goal."

About Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

About USA Cares

USA Cares serves to provide military families of all branches and services with financial support, while offering direction and advice along with a caring attitude. To date, the non-profit has stopped foreclosure on over 106 military homes and has helped over 4,200 families by providing or locating over $2.1 million in grant support. Funding for USA Cares is provided through the generous contributions of corporations, organizations and individuals. The non-profit proudly sustains a 92 percent plus ratio of mission dollars.

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