Chicagoland Blue Star Mothers host care package collection drive for deployed troops
Chicagoland Blue Star Mothers IL6 is collecting items for their Care Packages for Deployed Troops Collection Drive.
Through Oct. 25, they are collecting items and funds through PayPal to send care packages to troops deployed overseas, including those who have mothers in the chapter. These care packages mean so much to our troops and give them a little love from home during the holidays when it is hard to be so far away.
This year, they have four ways to donate and help the troops.
• Amazon Wish List: Find the link for "2020 CBSM Care Package Wish List," shop from the prepared list, choose and purchase items that will be shipped directly to the group. Shop from home and help the troops at the same time.
• Donate through PayPal at www.paypal.com/paypalme/cbsmil6 to help with the costs in filling out the list and with postage.
• Shop from the list below and drop off at the collection site at DoodleBug Workshop, 314 S. Main St. in Wheaton. Call Sarah first at (630) 995-1328 to make sure someone is there to receive your donation.
• Or bring your donations to the Drive-By Drop-off sites on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mission BBQ, 1570 Butterfield Road in Downers Grove, or Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at 1805 High Grove Lane, Naperville.
One thing from the list they can always use more of is letters from home! The troops love to read your card or letter, or see a drawing made by you or your child. Those messages help them know that their sacrifice is meaningful and supported by the community. Those can be dropped off at the collection site and drive-by drop-off sites, or mailed to Chicagoland Blue Star Mothers IL6, P.O. Box 881, Warrenville, IL 60555.
After Halloween until Nov. 6, they also will collect any leftover individually-wrapped Halloween candy you may have! The troops love to have some candy to remind them of home and give them a treat!
Food donation ideas include: canned fruit (16 oz. or less, no glass or fruit cups); pouched chicken or tuna; individual cold drink mix (Gatorade, Propel, Lemonade Singles, etc.); individual hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee singles, wrapped tea bags); jerky or Slim Jim; dehydrated, baked or freeze-dried fruit; trail mix/snack nuts (individual packs); crackers/cookies (snack-bag size); microwave popcorn; sandwich crackers; granola bars; fruit snacks; individual powder creamer packs; sugar packets; Rice Krispie bars; gum; Pop Tarts; breakfast bars; instant oatmeal packets; peanut butter (28 oz. or less, no glass); and Pringle's.
Nonfood items include: letters or cards with encouraging messages; No. 10 envelopes (letter size); mouthwash (17 oz. or smaller); shampoo (16 oz. or smaller); Band-Aids; pain relief medications (Tylenol or Advil); cough drops; shaving cream/gel (non-aerosol only); disposable razors; toilet paper; Tums, Rolaids or antacids (96 count or less); anti-itch cream; nasal spray (no glass); foot powder; body wash (16 oz. or less; hand sanitizer (large or small); feminine products; individual hand sanitizing wipes; dental floss; deodorant; hand warmers; AA or AAA batteries; baby wipes; and white or black athletic socks.
They also are accepting donations for military working dogs: Ruffwear dog booties for large breed dogs; toys for large breed dogs; collapsible food and water dog bowls for large breed dogs. Note: Dog treats cannot be accepted due to their strict diet.