Care package drive hopes you'll support the troops
Somebody thought to donate a jar of peanut butter last December in a collection of gifts going to U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
"The jar of peanut butter was a great hit so that they (members of the 333rd Military Police Company) can make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sometimes it's the little things in life that are missed, but go a long way here to support the troops and boost morale," wrote Capt. Michael Eastridge of Fremont Township (in Lake County), in a thank-you letter to Fox Valley Troop Support.
Notes such as his remind the organizers why they solicit - then pack and ship - toiletries, snack foods, phone cards and other items to our troops.
And they worry that they won't get enough donations to continue sending a package each month this summer to the 100-plus names on their list. The group has collected items in December and May for the last three years, and the spring collection is always less.
"People get busy, have commitments with schools and vacations," said co-chairman Sarah Giachino of St. Charles.
If you want to make some soldier's day, the group is getting set for its next big collection. Items can be dropped off from 5 to 8 p.m. May 15 at the Overseas Post 1197, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at 625 S. River St., Batavia. Volunteers are welcome to help pack the boxes at 10 a.m. May 16.
The group is also seeking the names of local residents deployed overseas. Send the name, rank, unit address (including APO or FPO), month of their deployment and approximate month of return to Giachino at myconfident@aol.com or co-chairman Kathy Tobusch at kasha2226@aol.com. You can also call Giachino at (630) 587-3789 or Tobusch at (630) 406-9172. A list of suggested items is on fvts.org.
Money is welcome, too. It costs the group $11.95 to mail each package.
Care package items
Among the items requested from Fox Valley Troop Support to send overseas:
Food
Peanut butter (20 ounces or less), Jelly (20 ounces or less), Crackers (14.4-ounce box), Beef jerky (no Slim Jims), Nuts (20 ounces or less, in canisters or plastic jars; no glass), Hot chocolate mix, Tea bags, Potato chips (in a tall canister), Spices (in plastic jar, individual mayonnaise packets), Granola bars, Individually wrapped snack items (peanut butter and crackers, cheese and crackers, and cookies), Cereal (small individual boxes), Instant oatmeal or grits (individually packaged), Pop Tarts, Mints (Altoids, Life Savers, TicTacs), Raisins, Trail mix, Canned pasta, Ramen noodles (flat packages), Canned meat (tuna, chicken or turkey), Tuna Lunch Kits to Go, Cold-drink mix packets for bottled water, Microwave popcorn.
Personal Items
Dental floss, Toothbrushes (individual packages), Mouthwash (3-ounce or less plastic bottles), Toothpaste, Eye drops, Saline nasal spray, Large Band-Aids, Anti-itch cream (2 ounces or less), Antibiotic ointment, Antacid tablets, Vitamins (200 count or less), Over-the-counter allergy, cold and flu medicine, Hot Hands warmers, Pain relievers, Muscle rub, Heat wraps, Q-tips, Shaving cream, Deodorant, Hand lotion (no pump), Hand sanitizer, Body wash (16 ounces or smaller; no bars), Foot powder, Moleskin and blister pads, Small flat packages of unscented wipes (diaper bag size), Twin bed sheets.
Miscellaneous
CDs and DVDs (new and used), Toilet paper, Laundry detergent tablets, Dryer fabric softener sheets, Febreeze, Puzzle books (crosswords, word search & Sudoku), Pencils, Blank birthday cards, 5-by-7-inch writing paper, Disposable cameras, Pocket packets of tissues, Batteries (AA and AAA), Playing cards, Flip-flops (shower shoes).