Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it shall be given to you,” and that’s what one local family and church family are doing to help their son who is deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Jack and Emma Ammons’ son, Jeffery, mentioned his platoon needed some everyday toiletries because there is no military exchange where they are located. His parents told the church members at Andalusia Bible Church and the members offered their help.

“He gave us about five items his platoon really needs,” Jack said. “The members and others involved in the church and community have responded very well.”

Jeffery has been deployed for three months, and his father said he will be deployed for around a year.

“He is an engineer in the Army, but he is attached to a medical company with the Marines,” Jack said.

“They are in the process of building a hospital.”

Jack said the hospital is a field hospital kind of like the one portrayed on the 1970s television series “M*A*S*H*.”

The Ammons plan to send items to their son as long as he is deployed and as long as people donate items.

Ammons said his son distributes the items of need to the other soldiers in his platoon.

Right now, there is a large need for medicated foot powder, cortisone cream, disposable razors, shaving gel and wet wipes.

In addition, the soldiers need toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.

Thus far, the Ammons have sent three packages to their son, and he has received one of them.

“We just started this a couple of weeks ago,” Ammons said.

“But we’ve had a great response. Our community is very patriotic. We thank the people who support our troops.”

On Thursday, the Ammonses were boxing up four more boxes to send overseas.

Anyone interested in donating the personal hygiene items can drop off donations at Andalusia Bible Church, which is located at the intersection of Moore Road and Three Notch Street, near Andalusia Regional Hospital.