MCALLEN – Local residents want to help deployed soldiers who are away from family, friends and their hometowns during the holidays.

A local army veteran says care packages mean a lot to the troops – he now works at Clark Chevrolet.  

The organization teamed up with the McAllen Rotary Club to fulfill a new mission to send items to local army soldiers.  

"Even just a small care package from a group means more to a troop than you can ever imagine,” says army veteran Rogelio Aleman. "I remember getting a care package, reading a letter from someone back here in the states. It means so much to me."

KRGV’s Angelo Vargas spoke with Army Major Derek Wamsley. He agrees the packages help to boost morale and says it’s great that people have stepped up to help out.

Watch the video above for the full story.