The South Valley Chamber of Commerce wants local businesses and residents to help pack 500 care packages for active-duty service members by Wednesday, Sept. 9, with donations due by Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The chamber launched its Taste of Home Care Packages project Monday, Aug. 10, at its Let's Do Lunch: South Valley Honors event. About 100 attendees wrote thank-you cards for deployed troops after hearing from Steve Rosenvall, CEO of Alpha Warranty and a military veteran, and Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah.

"It was the little things that brought the most joy," Rosenvall said at the event, according to the chamber's announcement. "When you're out there, you crave that familiarity and comfort from home more than anything."

Draper City amplified the project on its official X account Thursday, Aug. 6, calling the chamber its partners and directing followers to the project page. That was four days before the formal launch.

The drive is tied to the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Care package contents were recommended by Utah National Guard members and military veterans: granola bars, candy, beef jerky, food flavoring, hydration packets and handwritten notes.

Chamber president and CEO Jay Francis said the initiative was a natural fit for the organization. "It just felt right," Francis said in the chamber's announcement. "These brave men and women deserve recognition for their sacrifice, and if we can give them even a small reminder of home, this project will be a success."

Residents can contribute by purchasing items through an Amazon registry on the project page, making monetary donations, writing thank-you notes or attending the Wednesday, Sept. 9, packing event. The venue has not been announced.

The South Valley Chamber serves Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman and Bluffdale. Alpha Warranty, Rosenvall's Utah-based vehicle service contract company, is among the local employers connected to the effort.

Donations are due Wednesday, Aug. 26. Details and registration are at southvalleychamber.com/taste-of-home.