Letter to the Editor: Local businesses collecting military donations for Christmas ... please help

n The Island School kids made banners and pictures for troops in 2011.

This year once again instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, our family is collecting supplies over the next two weeks to send to our brave troops in Afghanistan. Last year the response from the community was so overwhelming. We shipped over 25 packages to the troops.

We have adopted two different groups of Marines serving in Afghanistan. One group based out of North Carolina and another group from Texas. We will be collecting donations at The Seale Family office at 430 E. Railroad Avenue and at Bowen Construction, 446 4th St. (upstairs).  

It is very cold and rainy there now and the troops have suggested a few items that would help them keep warm and remind them of home. Pocket warmers, (available at WalMart), hot chocolate mix, instant soup packets, ramen noodles, protein bars, trail mix, hot sauce, men’s dark color socks, beanie style hats, baby powder, baby wipes, Tenactin foot powder (their feet get soaked walking patrols), hand sanitizer, soaps, shampoos, (any small bottles you may have collected at hotels) instant oatmeal packages, sports magazines, paperback books, stationery, pens and paper, Christmas decorations, nuts and CANDY. Or anything else you may think they could use.

Any cash donations also are welcome to help with the shipping charges.   The troops also would appreciate a letter or note from all of us sending donations. The children at the island school made cards and banners. We know they will be just as creative this year.

If you would like to adopt your own group of soldiers, you can get information at anysoldier.com.

Thank you in advance.

Linda Konings, The Seale Family, Inc.
Tammy Crafton, Bowen Construction