C3 Church in Clayton celebrated the July 4th weekend by collecting boxes with food, drinks, and other items for soldiers in the North Carolina National Guard serving overseas.

As part of its "God and Country Weekend," the church hoped to collect about 2,000 boxes for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"God loves them. We love them. We have not forgotten about them. That we're thankful for their commitment, for their sacrifice," said pastor Matt Fry.

Some church members, like Charles Phillips, know first-hand what it's like to be in Iraq and receive a package from home.

"It gives you a sense of home," he said. "It makes you realize that people back home care about you and they want you to have just a little piece of what you're missing."

Other church members have friends who are currently serving overseas.

"My next door neighbor is over there right now in Iraq," said Duane Fisk of Clayton. "And we just love those guys and love the sacrifice and commitment they have for our country."

C3 Church is collecting boxes throughout this week. It will ship the boxes within the month, Fry said.