Montana has more citizens serving in the military per capita than any other state in the nation, and Montanans have a long history of showing support to their troops. Over the next few days, one store in Great Falls is making an effort to provide troops with some comforts from home.

The Old Navy in Great Falls has teamed up with Operation: Care and Comfort, which is a branch of the Red Cross that ships care packages to troops overseas. Over the next few days, anyone who goes to Old Navy and donates an item will, in exchange, receive a discount off their purchase.

For many members of the military, being away from home becomes the most difficult part of the job overseas. Sending care packages is one way to show the troops they have not been forgotten.

Major Ricky Anderson, Chief of Public Affairs for the Montana Air National Guard, explains, "These care packages are a huge morale booster for these men and women, fighting for our country, who are away from their family, they're away from the comforts of home, and it's just a big, big success for us."

Since 2003, Operation: Care and Comfort has shipped nearly 250 tons of care packages to military units in conflict regions. By partnering up with stores such as Old Navy, the all-volunteer program spreads the word about its mission, and is able to collect more items for the troops.

Alicia Carter, Service and Training Manager for the Old Navy in Great Falls, says, "We have a few boxes of donation items that they can purchase in-store, or you can bring in an item from another store, if you want, and then, once you donate, you get a percentage off your purchase even, so it's a good deal for everyone. Over two-hundred Old Navy stores have actually partnered with Operation: Care and Comfort, which is a division of the Red Cross, they came up with it."

The program is accepting items for both men and women, including shirts, socks, underwear, sunscreen, and lip balm. With so many troops overseas, even a tiny donation can make a big difference.

Alicia Carter adds, "I just think that, as an American, we need to support, because even if you don't have family or friends over there, you need to, because it's our country."

Ruth Fischer, Operations Manager for the Old Navy in Great Falls, says, "We need to prove to them that we do care and we appreciate what they're doing. They're leaving their families behind and serving our country, and it needs to be known that we do care."

Operation: Care and Comfort is hoping that sending a touch of home to the service members will ease their time while serving the country and show how much they are appreciated.

Old Navy will continue to accept donations on behalf of Operation: Care and Comfort through this Sunday, July 5th. There are also "thank you" cards available for those who want to send a little note to the troops.