Care packages, with a feminine touch

LAKELAND - Melissa Sanchez loves to buy products that make a woman feel special: skin lotions, make-up, nail polish and other little extravagances. It's not unusual for her to spend $30, $40 or even $50 every time she goes to the store.

But none of it is for herself. Sanchez sends "pamper packs" to women soldiers in Iraq.

"They'll get to come back to their barracks and have a nice girlie spa day," Sanchez told FOX 13.

Sanchez began sending packages to Iraq when her husband was there years ago. She used to send generic toiletries. Then, one day, she realized that women soldiers might want a little more luxury, so she began rounding up items that would give them a taste of the comforts they used to have.

She goes to a website called AnySoldier.com , where she chooses a name at random.

Sanchez used to pay for everything out of her family budget. But now more people are finding out what she does, and they're sending donations.

She has also hit up the Polk County Veterans Council.

"Are you going to tell her no?" said Council Member Gary Clark.
"She is a very persistent young lady."

Like most people in this uncertain economy, Sanchez is trying watch every penny. She is going to watch her expenses even more closely soon. Her husband, who is a trucker, is about to be laid off.

Despite that, Sanchez she is going to keep sending women in Iraq reminders that people back home are thinking about them.

"Whether I have to beg for donations or just send them handwritten notes from my son," she said.

If you would like to help Melissa Sanchez, you can contact her at  MSANCHEZ1125@HOTMAIL.COM .