Two local churches are now seeing the benefits of their acts of kindness.

Mt. Olive Bible Church and Andalusia Bible Church recently teamed up to answer a call from Andalusia native Jeffery Ammons, who is currently stationed in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan. Ammons’ request was sent to the churches through his parents, Jack and Emma, of his battalion’s a need for everyday toiletries because there was no military exchange where the platoon was working to build a hospital.

Recently, the Ammonses received letters from the chief nurse of the hospital, which is now fully operational, and the chaplain, telling them the supplies filled a great need.

“Make sure you tell everyone who contributed we appreciate them as well,” Rohi Numeier, chief nurse said. “I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for the wonderful care packages.”

“Thank you so much for the care packages of food and supplies for the 31st Combat Support Hospital at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan,” Chaplain Kim Sung said. “We needed this! Our unit just arrived in Afghanistan, in the middle of the desert, with minimal items to get by. We are located west of the Helmand province. For many, this was the first care package they received, your support means a lot.”

Jeffery Ammons also expressed his gratitude to the community.

“To the church and community of Andalusia, I have never had such quick and prompt response to a request as I did on this one,” he said. “You all are the greatest and most of all I really appreciate the outpouring of support and supplies for the soldiers of the 31st Combat Support Hospital.”

While Jack and Emma Ammons said they both were not putting together the care packages for the glory, they are proud that their packages were some of the first of the first to get there.

So far, they have sent 20 boxes to Afghanistan and Iraq.

“It is very touching to a mother and a father,” Jack said. “The community has been very supportive of this cause.”

Emma agreed.

“We are very, very proud of our son,” she said. “We are very glad the packages are getting to the destination.”

Jack said they are still sending packages and plan to continue to send out about three packages a week.

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

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

The Ammons said in addition to the supplies, some members of the community have made donations to help with the shipping.

“Each box we send costs $14.75 a piece,” Jack said. “We thank the community for their continued support.”