Members from the Kiwanis Club and students from kindergarten through high school gathered at the Scarborough Middle School Jan. 29 in preparation for “Operation Cupid,” an event dedicated to helping Maine troops in Iraq.

Volunteers put together Valentine’s packages for soldiers, which included candy, notes and calling cards. The effort, which was started four years ago in part by Scarborough resident Mary Nablo, made more than 200 packages this year to send to Iraq.

According to Nablo, last year volunteers put together around 400 care packages, and they see the decrease as a positive sign – more Maine troops are coming home.

“In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to make care packages,” Nablo said. “But I hope this helps a little.”

Click here for an audio slideshow of the event.