SABATTUS – A large amount of air fresheners were donated to the Sabattus American Legion for the troops in Iraq.

Having heard from her son, Capt. Steven Caron, in Iraq that air fresheners were needed, Joan Caron of Sabattus visited Village Candle in Topsham to see if they could give a donation for her son’s unit.

When store manager Bob Allen called her back in a few days, he informed her that Village Candle owner Paul Aldrich was willing to donate, but the amount far exceeded what she expected. Allen informed her that more than 10,000 air fresheners will be donated..

Caron said they will be able “to not only help Steven’s unit, but the air fresheners will be distributed throughout the whole brigade, which includes around 5,000 soldiers.”

Her son, a member of the Sabattus American Legion, is serving in the 172nd Striker Brigade Unit in Mosul, Iraq. Assigned to Brigade headquarters, he will see that all the air fresheners are distributed. Caron is also the son of Ron Caron of Sabattus.

“It’s awesome having a company from back home in Maine make such a large donation and having a product that is handmade in Maine,” Caron wrote back after hearing the news.

The Legion is collecting other items to be sent with the air fresheners. The Legion will send around 30 personalized packages for the soldiers serving with Caron. It will also need cash donations to help with the shipping.

All donations should be collected by Dec. 1 in order for the troops to get them in time for the holidays.

Caron and his wife, Kathleen, are expecting their first child in April. Mrs. Caron is residing with her parents, Phil and Nancy St. Pierre of Lewiston.

In recent years the Sabattus American Legion has sent packages to troops in Afghanistan, supported the local Maine Army National Guards 133rd and at Christmas adopt a local family who has a family member serving in active duty.

“We try to help out as many local troops as possible,” said Commander Jack Davin. “Anyone knowing someone who could use some help can contact us at 375-4058 and we will do all we can to help them out.”