Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge members ship care packages to U.S. troops around the holidays, but this year they received an unusual request.

Mark Schmiedeskamp told Patch one of their lodge members works as a government contractor associated to an infantry unit in Afghanistan. "In his letter asking for the usual hygiene and snack items, a soldier also included a list of plumbing supplies," said Schmiedeskamp.

"His plan was to build showers for the men at the Forward Operating Base that he is assigned to."

Oftentimes, front line soldiers might go a month or so without being able to take a real shower, said Schmiedeskamp. "And this soldier intended to change that, if he could get the supplies he needed."

He had the pipe, but no fittings or hoses to connect it all together, said Schmiedeskamp. "So with donations from the lodge, its members and help from the local business community, 14 boxes containing everything from the needed pipe couplers, shampoo, soap and over 100 pounds of snacks were shipped from the Eureka Post Office on Dec. 8."

"Hopefully this will make for a brighter Christmas for this combat unit," he said.

Schmiedeskamp also said the Elks would like to give a big thanks to Wholesale Plumbing Supply of Eureka, U.S.A. Martial Arts of Eureka and Studio 550 of Valley Park and their clients for their contributions. "The Elks would also like to thank everyone that was able to contribute to this troop support effort."