NATCHEZ — While overseas on a military operation, the simple act of reaching into your pocket and eating some of Darby’s fudge can be a wonderful reminder of home.

In its eighth year, Operation G.R.I.T.S. aims to provide some Southern hospitality to troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait, some of them local, the nonprofit’s president and founder Pattie Jones said.

“I know they love getting Darby’s fudge, hot sauce and Tony’s — something that shows a little bit of our local flavor,” she said. “This is a real way, a tangible way, to show your support to let the men and women know you care.

“It is a good way to show our support for our men and women that protect our country.”

Operation G.R.I.T.S., which stands for Gifts Raised In The South, is taking donations such as canned items, condiments, coffee, microwavable foods, powdered drink mix singles, snack foods and toiletries. People can also send fun items such as a deflated football and hand pump as long as it is not too big for the box.

“I know they need Gatorade drink mixes, coffee mixes, trail mix and beef jerky — things they can stick in their pockets and take out on a mission,” Jones said. “Of course they do need toiletries because they have to buy those out of pocket.”

Toiletries include toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash and deodorant.

Boxes will be mailed to John Dale Loomis in Kuwait and Bob Lloyd Lively in Afghanistan.

Other locals overseas in Kuwait include Caleb Havard, Trey Rogillio, Charlie Williams, Vincent Thomas, Jamie Trujillo, Daley Sesser, Melvin Knight and Cody Colston.

“They will get the boxes and distribute them as far as they will go,” Jones said. “It lets them play Santa Claus a little bit over there, getting to hand out the boxes.”

Jones said she would have local schools write letters to send, but she also encouraged people packing the boxes to write a letter. While you do not always get a letter back, Jones said she has received some over the years from appreciative soldiers.

The project is good for civic organizations and church Sunday school groups, Jones said. Jones said she has received comments from parents who shop with their children.

“It is a good way to encourage them to think about giving to others while they are thinking about their Christmas gifts,” she said.

Jones said boxes could be picked up from Reed Insurance in Vidalia or at any United Mississippi Bank location in Natchez. Jones said to return the boxes by Friday, Dec. 1, to any of the above location along with $17.35 for postage.

Jones said any donation is tax deductible.

Jones said she wanted to thank the volunteers who helped spread fliers and delivering boxes.

For more information, visit www.operationgrits.com.