BY JOHN CARSWELL – Daily Union Staff Writer

Pat Garlick and her husband Eric are known locally for their tireless efforts in sending Pride Packages to soldiers in Iraq.

The packages contain items from home that may seem common, but are very special to the men and women in uniform overseas.

The Garlicks began their humanitarian effort when the war hit close to home. Their son, Lance Corporal Evan Garlick is now on his second tour of duty in the dangerous Anbar Province and was the inspiration for the packages.

At present, the Garlicks are collecting and assembling a special edition of Easter Pride packages, with the deadline looming.

“Things sort of trickled in,” said Pat Garlick. “Easter is not considered as big a holiday as Christmas,” said Eric.

The phone rang and Pat talked as Eric boxed items. “We just got a call from the Tower Hill Girl Scouts,” said Pat excitedly. “They are sending over 30 boxes of Girl Scout cookies!”

Items needed for the Easter packages include Easter-related candy, cookies, poptarts, granola bars, Easymac macaroni and cheese, sample packs of shampoos, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other assorted toiletry items.

“Evan is a Marine and they can wear white socks but we don’t have any black crew socks for the Army boys. We sure could use some of those to send,” added Pat.

The deadline to donate items is Thursday night, March 8. Pat said, “We will be boxing up everything we have and sending it then so it can arrive by Easter.”