Baton Rouge, LA — BR Soldier Outreach (BRSO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting deployed U.S. troops, announced a record-breaking holiday campaign to fill and deliver nearly 1,000 Christmas stockings to deployed service members across 26 military units this season. The surge comes as new requests pour in from 20 additional units eager to share in a taste of home for the holidays.
“Each year, we hope the demand will slow, but the truth is — it grows,” said Christy Smith, Founder and CEO of BR Soldier Outreach. “These soldiers are far from their families, yet their requests are simple: a snack, a note, a reminder that we haven’t forgotten them. It’s our honor to say yes to every one of them.”
Christy Smith – Founder and CEO of BR Soldier Outreach
Comfort from Home, Packed with Care
This year’s expanded operation will require multiple volunteer “stocking stuffing” events throughout November at BR Soldier Outreach’s partner locations. Volunteers will help pack care items such as snacks, drink mixes, and comfort foods into festive stockings destined for deployed troops worldwide.
Suggested donation items include:
- Beef jerky, protein bars, trail mix, pretzels, and snack cakes
- Cheese and peanut butter crackers, chips, and sunflower seeds
- Candy, pudding cups, raisins, and Goldfish crackers
- Water flavoring mixes, Tony’s, or other seasonings
- Postage donations to cover shipping costs
Donations can be dropped off at community partner sites throughout Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, including Holmes Building Materials, The Bookstore, Benton Brothers Antiques, Texas Roadhouse, and Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson.
“We’re seeing firsthand how powerful a small act of kindness can be,” said Nanette Patin, Vice President of BR Soldier Outreach. “Every item we pack reminds a soldier that someone back home cares deeply about them. That’s what this season is about — connection.”
Nanette Patin, Vice President of BR Soldier Outreach
Community Mobilization for Military Support
The organization has teamed up with local partners, including Wreaths by Christy, the Department of Louisiana Marine Corps League Auxiliary, the Baton Rouge Young Marines, and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), to ensure every deployed hero feels remembered.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, over 170,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed overseas — many in regions where mail and morale are scarce. BRSO’s mission aligns with growing national efforts to increase emotional and mental health support for troops abroad, as emphasized by Blue Star Families and the National Military Family Association.
A Tradition of Gratitude
Since its founding, BR Soldier Outreach has shipped over 10,000 pounds of comfort items to deployed troops, spending more than $50,000 on postage alone. Each shipment is made possible through community donations and volunteer time. The nonprofit’s mission — “Comfort for Heroes, One Package at a Time” — continues to drive its commitment to supporting all branches of the U.S. military.
“We can’t all serve overseas,” Smith added, “but we can all serve from home — one stocking, one package, one soldier at a time.”
How to Help
Community members are encouraged to:
- Donate items or funds through brsoldieroutreach.com
- Volunteer at a stuffing event by emailing [email protected]
- Share the mission on social media.
Schools, clubs, and organizations in need of certified volunteer hours are especially encouraged to participate.
Drop-Off Locations
- Holmes Building Materials – 7835 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA
- Holmes Building Materials – 1102 Florida Ave SE, Denham Springs, LA
- The Bookstore – 10466 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA
- Benton Brothers Antiques – 115 N Range, Denham Springs, LA (Open Tue–Sun)
- Texas Roadhouse – N Mall Drive, Baton Rouge, LA
- Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson – 5853 Seigen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA
About BR Soldier Outreach
Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, BR Soldier Outreach is a nonprofit organization committed to bringing comfort and care to deployed U.S. service members through quarterly shipments of care packages. The organization’s efforts are supported by volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community partners who share a mission of gratitude for those who serve.
Learn more at brsoldieroutreach.com.
For Media Inquiries:
Christy Smith – Founder & CEO, BR Soldier Outreach
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 225-936-1161
Website: brsoldieroutreach.com.
