FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- The sand sculptures are gone, but the money raised at the American Sandsculpting Competition is going to last just a little longer than the works of art.

So two-time Vietnam widow, Kaye Caple, has made it her mission to send a little piece of home to more than 300 men and women currently serving in the Middle East.

"Vietnam and Korea, those guys didn't get care packages I don't want that to happen again with Iraq and Afghanistan," said Caple.

And for the first time, she's able to include calling cards in the care packages thanks to money raised at the 25th Annual Sandsculpting Competition earlier this month.

"Normally sandsculpting is over in November, but if we can carry on for another month or even months to come, each soldier will hopefully have enough minutes to call into January and even February," said Andrew Cochran, of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Between raffles, tips and an auction of artwork like this one by artist John Gowdy, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber raised $3,728 for the adopt a troop foundation.
     
"They put their lives on the line everyday. I'm very happy. It is the best beneficiary I've ever worked for," Gowdy said.

"Thank you to everyone involved in this, it just means everything to me. I can't stop crying," Caple said.    

At the last moment, Gavin's Ace Hardware presented an additional $500 to the Adopt-A-Troop foundation to go toward the purchase of more calling cards.

The care packages need to go out by next week. If you would like to get involved, contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber at (239) 454-7500.

Or visit the Adopt a Troop website: http://www.adoptatroop.net/contacts.htm