Showing support for troops

It started with one soldier. Now there are 25 on the list.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Mary Ann Lark has touched the lives of a lot of soldiers serving in Iraq, having sent them 80 care packages.
She started her support efforts a year ago by sending a couple of packages to Allan Spencer, who was serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spencer is the grandson of Lark's friend Donnie Caldwell of Champion.
Now, Lark has 25 soldiers receiving boxes of food, candy and toiletries.
"We really didn't know what they wanted," said the 63-year-old Lark, who has been styling hair for 44 years, and at her Hair Design by Lark at 113 N. Main St. for 14 years.
When Lark first started putting the care packages together at her shop, customers would ask her what she was doing.
"The first thing you know, things started to multiply," she recalled.
And then in July, the Outcast Car Club put on a car show and collected two pickup trucks full of items for the overseas troops. It was enough to fill 19 boxes.
Lark also was given 10 more names of soldiers serving in Iraq.
The Kiwanis Club in West Middlesex, Pa., dropped off 300 bags of peanuts.
What they need
The soldiers -- both men and women -- are in need of candy, razors, chewing tobacco, nonaerosol insect repellent containing DEET to kill sand flies, toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, eye drops, baby powder, fly swatters, energy bars and saline nasal spray. Lark also sends writing paper and envelopes. Businesses drop off their advertising pens at the shop.
Now, customers regularly donate items the soldiers say they need in their letters and e-mails of thanks to Lark. They also donate money to buy certain items and help pay postage.
Most of the boxes are sent priority mail. It takes two weeks to deliver and costs $15 to $20 per package.
At first, Lark, a Hermitage, Pa. resident, was paying for postage out of her own pocket, but customers and people off the street began donating money.
"I have this down pat. I'm pretty good at packing," Lark said. "And they thank us for everything."
The only obligation put on the soldiers is they share what they receive.
Saying thanks
One of the soldiers, Josh Knebel of Hubbard, stopped by the shop about three week ago to deliver a thank-you plant.
Also stopping to express his gratitude was William Chomos, whose aunt lives in Brookfield.
"We touch a lot of lives, anyway. Let's hope next year this will be all over," Lark said.
Those wanting to help with the project can drop in to her shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays or call her at (330) 534-3015.
An energetic woman, Lark also volunteers her time for "Look Good, Feel Better," a cancer support group sponsored by the American Cancer Society, National Hairdressers Association and cosmetic and toiletries industry.
Patients who have lost their hair because of cancer treatments receive $50 worth of makeup and learn how to apply it. They also are taught how to take care of their wigs.
Along with being president of the Hubbard Area Chamber of Commerce, Lark and her husband own Lark Land Co., which leases rental properties, Donald Lark & amp; Sons Excavating Co. and D & amp;M Inc., which races 14 trotters and pacers.
yovich@vindy.com