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Aaron Negherbon's longtime friend of 17 years is on his "umpteenth" military tour overseas. Since March, Marine Corps Captain Carin Calvin has been deployed to Afghanistan. Upon discovering how much the troops lack -- items that many at home consider basics -- the Danville resident was determined to make life better for his friend and other troops.

Negherbon was surprised to learn that Marines must buy their own toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby wipes, lip balm, foot powder and body wash.

"In all the past tours, I just never thought about [sending items," he said. "I thought, 'Carin is going back to Afghanistan and I've got to hook my buddy up.'"

That nice thought produced one 45-pound box sent directly to his friend about seven weeks ago. When putting together the care package -- containing items such as razors, Skittles and magazines -- people started asking him if they could contribute.

"People want to donate, they just don't know how," Negherbon said.

In the beginning, his quest for donations started at six local Starbucks stores in hopes of getting packets of VIA instant coffee. It had such an impact, corporate contacted him saying they would match VIA donations made in August.

As he continues to seek out donations, he created Troops Direct, which is undergoing the process of becoming an incorporated nonprofit. Currently, he is working with Cytomax, Power Bar, Clif Bar, Katalyst and Muscle Milk and other partnerships are in development.

In the two months since he's embarked on this trouble, it's taken over a significant part of his life as well as his garage. He stores everything from gum to toothbrushes and toothpaste donated by local dentists. Constantly making trips to deliver the goods, which take about three weeks to arrive, he estimates he's send a half ton of goods overseas.

Care package contents aren't just "luxury" items like candy and Starbucks coffee, but Negherbon is also able to send necessities as well. Recently, a supply vehicle was destroyed by an IED, and they were without outdoor showers. After a quick trip to Big 5, he had a stack ready to be sent the next day. And while he appreciates donations of goods, Negherbon is also grateful for monetary donations that can help get requested items to the troops.

In the future, he'd like the organization to operate like a store. The idea being that leaders like Calvin could put in an order for a certain amount of goods that could be pulled from a warehouse and shipped instantly.

Recognizing the other organizations that send items to troops, through Troops Direct, he plans to support this select Marine battalion "in the hopes of making them the healthiest, most energized and highest spirited soldiers that I can."

Troops are already reporting that they are the envy of other battalions. Currently enduring tough living conditions -- which you can read more about on the Troops Direct website -- these packages make it bearable and their gratitude is great. Calvin oversees about 200 Marines who benefit from the packages, which are sent directly and not through an intermediary.

Anyone wishing to help and to get more information about Troops Direct can contact support@troopsdirect.org.

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