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WILMINGTON -- Over the Fourth of July weekend, many turn their thoughts to troops serving overseas. To show their support on Friday, community members from across the Cape Fear region brought donations for the military to a collection drive.

A Wilmington radio station spearheaded the collection on behalf of a non-profit called Step Up for Soldiers, which helps active duty soldiers, veterans and their families. Organization founder Thomas Russell plans to make 40 or 50 packages from the money and items collected.

"We're taking all personal items that are useful for the Marine to carry," he explained.

All packages will be sent to U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Michael Woods from Kure Beach and his unit stationed in Afghanistan. Woods has served for more than 19 years.

"We want to let him understand that we are all in this together," explained Russell. "We are behind him. It's our effort to keep him with items from home, that family connection."

Some donors who lent a hand to Woods and his unit were veterans who have served overseas.

"I know what I endured in Korea fighting and I know what those fellows over there are going through now," said veteran William Borer.

Veterans like Oliver Schreiber hope the packages send a message to each recipient.

"That we appreciate what they're doing and that their injuries and debts aren't in vein," said Schreiber.

As the country celebrates Independence Day, Russell said it means a lot to see so many paying tribute to those who make it possible.

"Just a lot of people caring and giving and it's all about the military," he said. "They do provide our freedom."

During the collection drive, Step Up for Soldiers received $2,000, which is the most money they've ever raised at a single event.