Brandon Larkin had an idea to help out his dad, SFC Peter Larkin, whose unit is stationed overseas for Christmas. He got his mom, Julia, and the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, 210 Pine St., involved.

The congregation started the Love to Our Soldiers program to send gift boxes with basic necessities, goodies and toiletries. St Luke’s Hospital joined the effort and had message pads printed with the unit logo for the 77th Liberty Warriors.

The gift boxes will go out this week — 50 each day until all 250 boxes are sent. The post office set a limit on the number of boxes allowed per day.

Area businesses that contributed to the effort are Blondies, Slovak Center Social Club, Catasauqua Club, Catty Legion Riders, The 2 Randies, Catasauqua Area School District, Mane ’N Tail, Dorneyville Dental, Chik-fil-A and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7293 auxiliary in Egypt.

Julia Larkin had help from church families and friends, including the Abraham family, Roberts family, Reynolds family, Alonzo family, Ford family, Linton family, Burker family and Janet Dorwart.