The Collegiate 4-H Club spent more than two hours last night packing 49 boxes of goodies to send to troops overseas.

The club collected items such as nonperishable foods, books, candy and toiletries for a month in preparation for its second annual "Boxes of Cheer" drive.

Last year, the club shipped 37 boxes overseas, surpassing its goal of 25.

This year, the goal for the project was 40 boxes.

"The department of information science[s] and technology collected so many donations that I needed to bring my car to pick it all up," Community Service Chair Bethany Bickel said.

The College of Education and the College of Health and Human Development also participated in the drive, Bickel said.

Jacklyn Bruce, the club's faculty adviser, said she has a personal interest in sending boxes to troops overseas.

"Last year when we did this, I didn't have friends overseas, but this year I have some college friends stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan," Bruce said.

Maggie Moore, a club member, has been involved with 4-H since she was a child.

"It's important to help even in a little way," she said.

Nadine Hershey, last year's club president, said she has a cousin and two friends overseas.

"I want to thank the community and the students who donated items for their generosity," Hershey said.

Last month, Collegiate 4-H organized "Operation Military Kids," a project that made "hero packs" for children whose parents are in the National Guard.

The packs made for the children were filled with toys, candy and books, said Megan Sinasky, the club's co-adviser.

Bickel said the club aims to complete two to three service projects every other month.

"I think that our best attribute as a club is our community service," current president Amy Wiester said.

The Collegiate 4-H Club provides community service and leadership experience for college students interested in helping with 4-H at the county level, Bickel said.

"Leadership skills are so important today in the workforce, and the club is small enough that all the members can have a leadership role," she said.

Some examples of the various activities that club members participate in are judging horse and livestock shows and sewing competitions, Bickel said.

Sinasky (graduate-youth and family education) is studying leadership development, which ties into 4-H.

"It was a natural fit for me to come and be a part of this group," she said.

Hershey said being involved with Collegiate 4-H has helped her hone her leadership skills.

"I've learned to cope with difficult situations and people," she said.