A taste of home from New Orleans

In 2003, Sheri Stephens was sending care packages to her son who was serving overseas. When she realized that most of the other members of his platoon weren't receiving packages, she decided to do something about it.

Stephens started a nonprofit, Operation We Care. Since the charity's inception, Operation We Care has sent more than 14,500 care packages.

King cake

This year, in cooperation with Randazzo’s Bakery in Slidell, La., 1,000 king cakes are being shipped to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stephens shared insight into her charity with The Times-Picayune:

While king cakes have always been an important part of Operation We Care’s efforts, this year will be the largest shipment. 'In the past, we have sent 500, 200, 300. This year, God spoke to me, and I felt like we needed to do 1,000,' Stephens said. 'I spoke with Randazzo’s and they agreed to donate the 500. They have always played a big part in what we do, and it has been great.'

To help out Operation We Care by volunteering or making a donation, visit the nonprofit's website.