Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and many more-needed items will be sent overseas to 600 Marines -- all thanks to a mom from Grosse Pointe Woods.
"I'm just a mom that wanted to help a few marines," said Evonne Schott.
Try 600 Marines.
Schott’s 22-year-old son Tom is a Marine. When she learned some of his fellow brothers are stationed in remote areas overseas without basic necessities -- she decided to help.
"I can't believe that they need toilet paper, they need wipes, and all these basic essentials because they are not in friendly territory," she said.
Back in June -- with the help of her best friend Linda -- the two asked their friends on Facebook if they would like make a donation to send care packages overseas in time for Independence Day.
"She was taking donations at her home. I was taking donations,” said Schott. “It got to a point where my porch would be loaded with stuff -- because I just said, ‘drop off point here.’ I'd come home and there would be a $100 bill under my marine statue, there were $20's in my mailbox."
Schott decided to put the word out again to send packages to 600 Marines, this time for Thanksgiving.
She was overwhelmed with the response. She received items from basic goods, cash to even 750 handmade cards from children in the community.
Volunteers packed and filled nearly 350 boxes Sunday at Schott's home.
They also started a Facebook page to help collect donations because shipping alone costs up to $4,000.
There is a GoFundMe page if you'd like to help with shipping costs and more donations.
