ARDMORE, OK -- Having fun for a good cause is the theme of ‘Operation CPR’, which is going on Friday afternoon at the Wal-Mart in Ardmore. Nicole Holt reports from Ardmore.

Officials have been collecting items for our local soldiers overseas all day Friday, but it's not over yet. In fact we need so many items and here's why.

American troops overseas are battling a controversial war fighting for our country and our freedom everyday. Those troops include our local heroes, both the 345 and 1245 in Ardmore and Madill.

To show support, the Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service, along with United Way, have teamed up for Operation CPR, better known as ‘Care Package Relief’.

"We decided to do this with SOAS just to help our troops let them know everyone back home supports them and believes in what they're doing," Ben Walston of SOAS says.

"We are doing this just to let the troops know we still care about them," Airen Smith, of the SOAS & the 1245th, says.

Ben Walston and Airen Smith with SOAS are heading up the pack today, gearing up for what could be one of the biggest ‘CPR’s this year, but for Airen, this hits close to home.

"It’s a good feeling. I'm a soldier myself. I know what it's like to be over there."

They are putting their best foot forward for donations Friday, collecting everything from socks, to even flea collars to fight sand fleas and every donation will help, because while it's specifically to the 1245th and 345, it may help others.