IREM Houston's annual Support the Troops Drive resulted in 200 care packages being shipped to American soldiers in the Middle East in time for the holidays. Generous volunteers packed the boxes, which ended up weighing in over 2,100 pounds. Each package contained snacks, first aid items, stationary, games, iTunes gift cards, socks, holiday stockings, and handwritten notes from IREM members and tenants. This year's donations totaled $15,000 and took one week to sort. IREM particularly loves hearing back from soldiers who received the care packages, like the one who sent this note that we can all take to heart:

"I, along with my fellow soldiers received care packages from all of you back home. We would like to say thank you for the dedication and support to our cause. As this war on terror winds down, keep in mind that it has not yet come to a close. We still experience casualties out here, and being the medic I see plenty of this. Your support goes farther than you may ever be able to imagine in maintaining and improving the morale of my platoon here. Again thank you for your support and even more for your prayers."