Community Corner
Donations, Information Needed to Send 'Christmas in a Box' to Troops Overseas
Do you have any of these needed items?
A Chatham High School sophomore is getting her Christmas shopping done for those who are stationed overseas and needs the help of the community to get enough pristinely-assembled parcels to give away.
Kate Purschke, 15, decided to send “Christmas in a Box” to community members who are serving in the military away from home when she saw the reaction her dad’s cousin had 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.”
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Her project is also part of an effort to receive a Gold Award and thus gain elite status with the Girl Scouts. Purschke is currently in need of information for Chatham residents serving in the military. Those who know someone from Chatham who would appreciate a package are asked to contact her at operationstudentscare@gmail.com.
She still needs the following items to pack into boxes:
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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
Photo via Shutterstock.
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