Just before Thanksgiving, we gathered our high school lacrosse players for an uplifting and rewarding afternoon putting together boodle boxes for American troops stationed abroad. We did this project last year with just the class of 2024, and were excited to expand it to include even more of the boys!
My dear friend Laurie spear heads the event, as her nephew attends West Point and the larger effort is organized by West Point moms. Along with our friend Carri, we have loved bringing service opportunities to our boys this year in many forms. Laurie always talks to the boys about where our boxes are going and the big impact they can make with little efforts like this throughout the year.
The days leading up to our gathering were spent with exchanging texts about thoughtful, meaningful items that could stand the long trip and be useful and special to the recipients. The boys started the day carefully lining boxes with cheerful wrapping paper, and penning notes to each and every recipient, before filling them with necessities, small splurges and Christmas cheer. They posed for a team photo, which we printed on the spot to include in every box.
In addition to little food items and treats they can’t overseas (think chick-fil-a sauce and taco bell sauce!), we have personal care items and small games, puzzles and activity books.
This year we were even able to include a Santa hat, small christmas tree, tinsel garland and two strands of mini lights in every box!
Last year, John actually received a note back via xbox (of all things) from the solider that received the boodle box with his note inside! We were able to pack and ship 24 boodles this year.
I pray that our American troops stationed far from home will find oodles of cheer in these boodle boxes this holiday season. I hope that our boys each took a moment to remember that our freedom and safety come at a price, and that countless men and women and families in service sacrifice for us each and every day. I know I did.
Stay merry, y’all! <3
Dixie Delights Classic Christmas Home Tour 2021
video tour | exterior + entry | living room + office
den + powder room | kitchen, dining + mudroom
bedrooms | porch + pool
Christmas Decor Shopping List
Remote Tree Switch | Monogram Guest Towels | Magic Light Wand
Balsam & Cedar Candle | North Pole Pillow
1″ Red Velvet Ribbon | 3″ Double Face Satin Red Ribbon
Record Player | Elf soundtrack vinyl
affiliates
Holiday DIY Video Series
How to Make Christmas Bows | How to Spruce Up a Basic Wreath
How to Make a Greenery Bouquet | Easy Flower Arranging Tips + Tricks
2 Ways to Tie the Perfect Bow
Other Holiday DIY
2 Easy Ways to Hang Christmas Wreaths | Paper Bow DIY
Painted Lamp Shades | Reindeer Kid Art
All Holiday & Seasonal Decor | All things Christmas
DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED
Thank you for doing this!
The little Texas Pete hot sauce packets that Chick fil A will give you for your chicken sandwich is a hit too. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to see the some photos that a few will send in of them in their Santa hat or holiday headband that was sent.
Hopefully, one of boys on the team will consider a service academy or ROTC as they think about college.