Lisa and Matthew Hammond are parents at Joseph Widmer Elementary School.

The Lathrop couple have two boys at the school — Matthew Jr., who in sixth grade, and third-grader Tommy Hammond.

Not too long ago, Matthew Sr., who serves in the military, was deployed to Iraq.

Enter the Joseph Widmer PTC.

“Lisa brought to our attention that there were other (military) families at the school who are deployed overseas,” PTC President Felicia Chavez said on Friday.

This was after a troop care package drive that began on Feb. 20 proved to be a tremendous success.

Included were eight pallets of diced mangoes compliments of the Del Monte Foods Inc. Each class brought items specified on the list, from toiletries, snacks, and other food products.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Chavez. “It was either going to be a success or a dud.”

Fortunately, she nor PTC board member Andrea Wisnieski were overwhelmed with the generosity of the school.

Donated items easily filled four tables inside the school library.

Next up will be the packaging and shipping of the products for the overseas troops from volunteer parents and those in the Leadership class.

Students at the school also wrote letters and drawings to be included in the boxes.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.