WARSAW, ILL. -- Some local soldiers will be getting a taste of spring while in Afghanistan this Easter.

Members of the Hamilton Area Troop Support group began sending gift baskets overseas in 2004. They've recently started it back up again as more soldiers have deployed. This time, they're filling up camouflaged easter baskets. While it may be just candy and magazines, these family and friends say the baskets provide a lifeline to home.

Deborah Whitaker is a mom to three kids fighting overseas, one of which is part of the 832nd Combat Engineer Unit out of Keokuk and Mount Pleasant. Her other two children work with the 234th Combat Engineer Unit from Cedar Rapids. All three are expected to arrive home from Afghanistan in June.

"When we sent them last time, my son opened up a pumpkin we'd sent and he goes, 'I know my mom is in charge of this.' But they know it's all family and just comes from the heart. They send pictures back opening their boxes and to them, it's like Christmas," said Whitaker.

Throughout the year, the community helps in filling these baskets, including competitions to see which grade level can donate the most at area schools.