February 16, 2013 at 7:24 AM

Individual dancers just received thousands of packages, large and small, delivered from friends and family near and far. The majority of the packages had a common theme: boosting morale -- both physically and in spirit.

Luke Jaindl (senior-agriculture business) said he got presents from his uncle from New York, his parents and his brother and sister from back home in Allentown. Among a plethora of candies ranging from massive Kit-Kat bars to Swedish fish, he said he was most excited about two gifts in particular.

“My mom got me Sodoku for when I’m on the floor, and silly putty to help keep the hands going,” he said.

Jaindl said his sister even made the two-hour drive from Allentown to support him while he was on the floor.

A plastic bag full of packages also awaited Kelly Ashmead, who said that the majority of gifts that she received were things that she could play with, as well as a bunch of food to eat.

I’m probably good on food for the next two months now, Ashmead (senior-nursing) said.

“I got a bunch of Gatorade from my aunt, who’s from California, a package from a family friend, and I’m assuming that’s from my mother,” she said as she pointed to the largest package in the bunch.

Ashmead’s gifts included a bottle of bubbles, a deck of cards, coloring books, glittery crayons and puzzles to keep her entertained. Her stash of food included some of her favorite snacks, including Goldfish and baby Swedish fish.

When asked what was keeping her going, Ashmead said she had plenty of reasons.

“I was really anxious before THON started and now I’m totally fine,” she said. My whole family is here—my two sisters and my friends. I’ve seen most of them already.

“It’s just knowing that everybody here is here for you,” she said.