Freeborn County employees donated gift items to local deployed troops Friday.

The items that filled more than 100 boxes were collected by county employees during a campaign beginning in September, including an assortment of candy, books, flags and other care items. 

The boxes are expected to be sent next week and be in the hands of troops by Thanksgiving.

The idea was suggested by Freeborn County Administrator Thomas Jensen during a leadership meeting.

“Our goal was to get them together, certainly before Veterans Day,” said Freeborn County Veterans Services Officer Ron Reule.

The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Maintenance Department, Assessor’s Office, License Center, Environmental Services, Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, Veterans Services, Highway Department and Public Health departments donated.

Leftover items are expected to be sent to either Walter Reed National Military Medical Center or the Wounded Warrior Project in San Antonio, Texas.

“I don’t think I was expecting to see 100 boxes,” Reule said. “It’s good news.”

Reule, who spent 26 years in the Army serving part of his service time in Afghanistan, spoke highly of the effect donated care items have on troops.

“It’s nice, especially with the holidays coming up,” he said.

To Reule, donated items also have a positive impact on donors because they know the positive impact the products have on soldiers.

“It’s nice to see the red, white and blue when you’re in the middle of nowhere,” he said.

Freeborn County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Shoff said the donation was “just a wonderful project,” adding it brought county employees together to support the troops.

“We’re always supporting the troops in this community,” he said, noting there was a battle flag and monument outside the Government Center symbolizing the county’s support of the military.

“Just another example of this community coming together to support the troops.”