Local group collects items for our troops serving overseas

For Kathy Tobusch, this Christmas will be a special one. Both of her sons, who have been serving in Iraq will be home.

"It will be the first time since 2001 that our entire family will be together," she said.

Alex and Steven serve in different branches of the armed forces. Steven is a soldier and Alex is a Marine, but when they are home they are just brothers and part of the Tobusch family.

When the Tobusch brothers enlisted, their mom was OK with the decision to pursue a military career.

"I wanted them to make their own choices and do what they wanted to do," she said. "But as a mom it was hard when they went to Iraq because I wanted to protect them and keep them safe."

One way to support her sons was to keep in touch with letters and packages. She knew it was important to them.

"They told me that the best part of the day was getting something at mail call," she added. "That's what they looked forward to."

When one son said that he wanted a baseball and glove to play a little baseball, Kathy Tobusch sent enough for a team. She even sent along some silly string.

"When they come back from a mission there is a lot of stress and tension," she said. "Being able to have a little fun with something like silly string relieves the tension."

Although her sons received a lot of support from home they told her that there were others who never received a package or letters from home.

"I knew I couldn't take care of everyone in the military, but I could support the troops from our area," she added.

Tobusch and Sarah Giancino of St. Charles decided to form Fox Valley Troop Support Inc. It is a local group that collects the names of area soldiers and makes sure that they get plenty of letters and boxes filled with necessities that they might not be able to get in the base canteen.

This fall, Fox Valley Troop Support partnered with the Batavia VFW and will continue to work with them throughout the year. The public response has been very encouraging.

St Charles East HOPE and Clay Clubs, Cub Scout Troop 10, Northern Illinois Equestrian Team, Baker Methodist Church eighth grade Confirmation Class, District 303 Transportation and many area residents and families have already donated items and sent packages to Iraq and Afghanistan in time for Christmas.

But the group wants more help and donated items for many additional deployed service men and women.

Fox Valley Troop Support will accept donations at the Batavia VFW from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 and 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13. Volunteers are encouraged to drop off their donated items and help pack at the designated times.

Some of the requested items are baby wipes to wipe the sand away; Ziploc bags to protect items from sand; lip balm and sun screen, eye drops, nasal spray and medicated creams. Soldiers also need personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, floss, razors, combs and brushes.

Because the troops are on their feet so much it might be a good idea to send foot powder or creams to sooth burning feet. There are also a lot of sand flies and other bugs so non-aerosol bug sprays are appreciated. Liquid hand sanitizers are important as well as hand towels. Believe it or not, soldiers do need socks, black or white and baseball hats with bandanas. Those with cooling inserts are especially appreciated.

"They really enjoy things that they can do to pass the time and they like candy to share with the Iraqi kids," Tobusch said. "Fruit Gushers and Life Savers are popular items."

Other suggested items are personal battery powered fans, disposable cameras, paddle balls, footballs and yo-yos. Powdered drink mixes are also popular since the water tastes bad.

Why not choose to make a gift box for one of the young men or women who are serving our country this Christmas? You may not be able to see the joy that they experience on the other side of the world but your gift will be appreciated and show our area troops how much we appreciate all that they are doing for us.

How to help

What: Fox Valley Troop Support will accept donations for soldiers

Where: Batavia VFW, 645 S. River St. (Route 25)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8; 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11; and 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13