We are the women of Ladies Workout Express, a gym in Marlboro, NJ, who recently became aware of an opportunity to help our sister soldiers serving in Iraq and we jumped at the chance.

how it began ...

An article in a local newspaper featured a piece about the needs of the women who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. One soldier in particular, SFC Beth Lapoint of Brick, NJ, told of how most care packages from home to our troops in Iraq have the guys in mind. But she and the 35 other women in her unit have needs that are not being met. A list of products that would help them out was published in the article.

what we've done ...

We posted the article in the gym, and the members, along with owner, Joyce Musacchia, have rallied for the cause, which we named Project Sisterhood. Along with the article was the list of specific items that the women needed and an empty box for shipping. The next day, the box was overflowing with items on the list, along with other products that seemed appropriate for these ladies. A card signed by all of the participating members was placed in the box, and the first box was promptly shipped out.

Not surprisingly, the project snowballed. Bags of products started piling up from the members and other outside friends who heard about the endeavor. Those who couldn't shop donated money for postage and the purchase of other items. Many boxes have been shipped to SFC Lapoint's unit, and it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon.

The response of the women at Ladies Workout Express has been overwhelming and generates a tremendous amount of pride among the women at the gym. But it's really not surprising.

There is definitely something to be said for women helping women. Nothing beats it ...