Chatham High School Student Seeks Donations for "Holiday in a Box": When and How You Can Help

Previously, Kate Purschke -- a sophomore at Chatham High School -- sought information about where troops who were also former Chatham High students were stationed so she could send them a care package for Christmas. Now as the holiday season quietly takes center stage (and following a strong response from the community), she is seeking donations to stuff the boxes and create a “Holiday in a Box” for troops who cannot be with their families this year.

As the second phase of the project begins, Purschke, 15, is setting up collection days and has a donation website that supporters may contribute to until Oct. 24 by clicking here. The Chatham Library is also accepting drop-off donations for the project during the same timeframe.

Purschke will be at Kings Supermarket from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12 collecting drop-off donations.

Her efforts are also a part of her Gold Award project with the Girl Scouts. Purschke said she was inspired to put the care packages together when she saw how happy her dad’s cousin was when he received a similar gift last year.

“He was so grateful and it just made me realize that we should be thanking these people more,” Purschke said. “I want to find CHS graduates who are serving in the military, so we can send them care packages, something like Christmas in a Box.”

For more information about the project or if you know anyone who may like to receive a package, interested persons may email operationstudentscare@gmail.com.

Below is a list of acceptable items to donate:

FOOD

• Beef jerky/turkey jerky
• granola bars
• slim Jims
• breath mints
• gum
• soup (cup of soup/soup at hand)
• powdered drink mix
• hot chocolate
• sugar/coffee
• cereal (single-serving size)
• Kraft Easy Mac
• tea bags
• cereal bars/pop tarts
• microwave food (non perishable)
• trail mix
• canned fruit/vegetables
• mustard
• ketchup
• Ranch dressing
• Italian dressing
• coffee creamer
• powdered drink mix
• Twizzlers
• cookies (sandwich type)
• Pringles (cans only)
• oatmeal
• dried fruits
• pumpkin/sunflower seeds/nuts
• spam/canned meat (chicken, tuna, Vienna sausage)

TOILETRIES (NO GLASS CONTAINERS)

• Baby powder
• first aid items
• soap
• bug repellent wipes
• foot powder/foot care
• sunscreen
• chap stik/lip balm
• hand lotion
• tissues
• nail clippers
• moisturizer
• toilet paper (individual)
• dental floss
• Q-Tips
• tooth brush
• deodorant (non aerosol)
• over-the-counter meds
• toothpaste/wisp
• baby wipes
• razors (disposable)
• waterless hand sanitizer
• eye moisture drops
• underwear/undershirts
• socks-boot socks/black or white on the bottom black on top
• feminine hygiene products
• shaving gel
• cough drops/throat drops.

OTHER

• Batteries (AA or AAA)
• playing cards
• DVD movies
• Zip ties
• phone cards (international)
• utility rings/hooks/rope
• duct tape
• magazines