Support the Troops campaign supports our soldiers overseas

Nov, 24-2009 10:50 am

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP – The Health Center at Galloway is collecting items for U.S. servicemen and -women overseas and is seeking community help in its Support the Troops campaign.

“As the holidays approach, we are gathering items to be sent to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Admissions Director Sherri Ridgway. “These items send a little taste of home and a message that they are not forgotten.”

The collection is being made in conjunction with American Legion Family Post 493 of Little Egg Harbor Township. The drop-off point is at the health center, 66 West Jimmie Leeds Road, through Friday, Dec. 4.

The items will be presented to the American Legion Post 493 for shipment on Monday, Dec. 7.

“As the holidays approach, this is a wonderful way to show support for our brave men and women so far from home,” Ridgway said. “The items need not cost much – it really is the thought that counts. One item that is on every serviceperson’s list is a letter from home.”

Donors are encouraged to write letters to accompany the gift packages.

Suggested gifts are lip balm, packets of hot chocolate, tea or coffee, toiletries, quart-size zipper storage bags, snacks of all kinds, beef sausage snacks, sealed tins of cookies (not homemade), instant soups, tuna lunch packets, individual cups of beef pasta or ravioli, dried fruit, microwavable popcorn, gum, candy, mints, nuts, individual-serving drink mixes, AA and AAA batteries, sanitary wipes and sanitizers.

Donations of money will be used to purchase needed items, Ridgway said.