Over 200 volunteers filled Lake Braddock Secondary School on Saturday to put together care packages for America's deployed troops. America's Adopt A Soldier sponsored the event with the non-profit organization Volunteer Fairfax and Braddock District Supervisor John Cook.

The goal of the event was to pack 1,000 care packages for the troops to add towards the 100,00 package annual goal of America's Adopt A Soldier.  About 600 volunteers signed up to pack care packages full of the donations collected including candy, pens, paper, and basic necessities like baby wipes and Kleenex.

Donation boxes were set up around town before the event for the public as well as corporations to donate items. However, due to a shortage of donations, chairman Mary Keeser, the Founder of America's Adopt A Soldier had to use personal funding to achieve the day's task.  She said that in the future she would like to get the word out better.

"Everyone matters and every second of your time matters," Keeser said. "We are one team, one voice, and we are altogether in this. If you can even donate one item like a package of Q-tips, it can help make a soldier's day."

Keeser encouraged volunteers to continue their efforts to reach out to troops in their every day lives.

"If you know or see a soldier or veteran, stop to say hi and thank them for their service," Keeser said. "Let them know how much we appreciate them."

Musician Brian Stace kicked the packing day off by singing the National Anthem. Stace is one of the 17 music artists who aid in the America's Adopt A Soldier cause.  He assisted throughout the day in greeting and aiding the volunteers to complete their task.

Lunch was donated by Outback Steakhouse, but supplies ran out quickly, leaving some hungry volunteers complaining.  Those lucky enough to get lunch had a choice of chicken or beef sandwiches, leaving vegetarians a bit disappointed.  A raffle brightened the day as volunteers entered their name to win a laptop donated by Dell and given away during the event. 

This was the largest event in the county for VolunteerFest and is expected to be an annual occurrence.  For further information on how you can get involved in a future event for VolunteerFest visit www.volunteerfairfax.org or for information on America's Adopt A Soldier visit www.americasadoptasoldier.org.