|
CONTACT: Colene Lind (785) 227-3380, ext. 8122
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2007
COMMUNITY CAN HELP THROUGH ADOPT A SOLDIER
LINDSBORG, Kan. — Bethany College invites the larger community to participate in an Adopt a Soldier care-package drive to benefit soldiers stationed in Iraq.
The inspiration for the drive came through Jo Ann Mattison, human resource director and payroll manager at Bethany College. Her son, 1st Lieutenant Matthew Mattison, United States Army, currently is serving in Iraq. He informed her that some soldiers in his company and throughout his brigade do not receive mail or care packages from home.
“When you are overseas, you are in conditions that we can hardly imagine--danger, the hot weather, heavy gear. Receiving a package from the states takes you away from all that for a little bit. This is a simply way to let someone who is lonely and missing their country know that someone back home cares,” said Marie Johnson, assistant director of financial aid at Bethany. Johnson, who has served overseas in the Army, is volunteering to help coordinate the drive.
“In the spirit of supporting our troops and giving them a little comfort in this stressful time, we ask that you join us in the support of these men and women,” Johnson said.
Donors can contribute a variety of items for care packages. Johnson and other volunteers will collect the donations, package them, and send them to Mattison in Iraq. Mattison will distribute the items to soldiers in his brigade based on need.
Donors may leave items for care packages at the following Lindsborg businesses and locations: The Cookery, Main Street Toys, The Bouquet Shoppe, Lindsborg State Bank, Ol Stuga, city hall, Dollar General, Axel’s and The Old Grind.
A complete list of suggested items for care packages follows.
- Letters of support and encouragement along with pictures of the good ol’ USA
-
Pocket-size testaments
- Drink mixes to flavor the water like Kool-Aid, Gatorade, Crystal Light, and Tang
- DVDs (recently released pre-viewed DVD movies are fine, TV shows on DVD are great too) music CDs, and CD storage books
- Coffee, coco, tea, hot cider mix (powdered flavored creamer, too) - not liquids
- Mugs (durable)
- Microwaveable non perishable just-add-water foods like soups and mac-n-cheese
- Snacks - candy (non-chocolate), trail mix, granola bars, gum, cookies, nuts, popcorn, chips, etc (Entenmann's Products were specifically requested), Slim Jims, jerky
- Slim jims, jerky, pre cooked vacuum packed meats, & canned chicken - no pork items
- Canned fruit (pop top is best - not the ones with foil lids), canned veggies
- Hair brushes
- Hair ties and barrettes for female soldiers (must be within regulations: yellow for blonde hair, black for black hair, brown for red and brown hair)
- Baby wipes (soldiers use these for hygienic purposes
- Deodorant, lotion (body & face)
- Children’s toys, Beanie Babies, etc - for the soldiers to pass out as good will gifts to the local children
- Room deodorizers/air fresheners and scented candles (nothing too melty)
- Nail files & nail clippers (nail polish within regulations for women)
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, & floss
- Hair bands & barrettes for pony tails
- Razors & shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- Magazines, books, word game books
- Playing Cards, board games, chess, checkers, etc
- AA batteries (they have access to all other sizes)
- Blank cards, stationery, envelopes, pens & stamps
- AT&T phone cards for phoning home
- Black wool socks or insulated boot socks
- Foot powder
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, Leave-In Spray conditioner
- Twin size sheet sets and pillows
- Towels, wash cloths
- Packing tape
- Softball Gloves, softballs, Frisbees, other small outdoor activity items
- 220V to 110V power converters
- Boot scrubbers (to remove mud) or house slippers (so boots don't have to be worn inside the tents
- Lip balm
- PRAYER!
-30-
|
