WATERLOO -- Though many soldiers based in Northeast Iowa are home safe with their families, the work of one organization designed to support those serving in harm's way is far from through.

Iowa's Bravest organizers are once again beginning the arduous task of raising money and collecting items to send to soldiers with Iowa connections currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. But, it isn't so much the donations that worry the group's co-organizer Julie Ehlers. She is more focused on urging people to submit their loved one's name and address to the project. All addresses must be received by Oct. 26.

"This is mainly going to be enlisted men and women because we don't have any Waterloo units over there," Ehlers said. "This is not going to stop. Hopefully, with the help of the community, this can continue until everyone is home."

Ehlers is expecting to send out between 200 and 250 boxes, a far cry from the more than 600 delivered in 2006.

Sgt. Jason Boesen with the Iowa Army National Guard received several boxes while serving in Iraq. Now that he is back home, he hopes to help pack the boxes this fall.

"We really appreciated (Ehlers') efforts and everyone who volunteers. Not having a lot of creature comforts and contacts from home, they let me know that people from where I come from care about what I do," Boesen said. "They care about us. It really made me love the community I come from."

Boesen said it was the letters and cards written by elementary students around the area that left a lasting impression. Linda Heimer, a third-grade teacher in Hudson, was one of many teachers who coordinated supply drives and letter-writing projects in her school.

Heimer uses this as an opportunity to show her support for the soldiers, despite her displeasure with the war. Her students use the exercises as a way to learn about civic duty.

"I think they also learn the joy of making somebody else happy by doing something simple like that," Heimer said. "I always share the thank you e-mails with my class, and they beam with pride knowing they made a difference in someone's life."

Ehlers said this project couldn't continue to be as successful as it has been without the help of several area businesses, the schools, civic organizations and the volunteers. She hopes to see many soldiers at this year's box-packing event, which is scheduled at 4 p.m. Nov. 14.

"I would love to see them out there, passing it on to the next group," she said. "They know how much it means to receive a box like that."

The Evansdale AMVETS also are hosting its third annual bake sale to raise money for the boxes. Patriotic T-shirts and personalized flags are available for purchase. There are two new styles for this year's T-shirt, as well as the original Iowa's Bravest. For more information about the fundraisers and project, go to www.iowasbravest.org.

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1570 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.

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What: Evansdale AMVETS bake sale

When: Aug. 15-17, 3-7 p.m.

Why: All proceeds will go to the Iowa's Bravest project. Last year's sale raised more than $1,300.