Candy Baldwin said when her brother served in the navy, finances were so tight, he couldn't afford to call home.
"Because it's so much money, all of his money was going to his wife and kids to live. So they really didn't have the extra for the 30 minute phone call or five minute phone call," Baldwin said.
Baldwin manages the Lubbock branch of Sport Clips, a nationwide chain. When she heard about the "Help a Hero" campaign which helps provide free call days for deployed and hospital American service members, she lit up.
"It’s what they need to keep going. You know what the heroes need to keep going and doing what they're doing for us over there," Baldwin said.
Getting calling cards into the hands of soldiers during the holidays is the goal.
"Because it is very expensive for them to call home, we're making sure that on Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, that they have a free call day," Baldwin said.
Company commander Captain Kirby Huffman agreed. "If you use the Afghan system, then yes, it got expensive calling home. Because especially being there around the holidays, it feels wonderful hearing from home."
Baldwin said Lubbockites dip into their pocketbooks generously when it comes to supporting troops, even during tough economic times.
"Money is tight, so even knowing that you donated a dollar, five dollars. You're going to help somebody talk to their son, to their dad, to their brother on Christmas whenever we're with our families. Personally it means a lot to know that I took part in something like that," Baldwin said.
If you would like to help, you can donate at any Sport Clips location through November 13th.
