Group seeks gift donations for service members

GARDNERVILLE - Support Our Soldiers, a local effort to provide gifts for American troops in Iraq at Christmas, is looking for contributions. The deadline for dropping off items is Saturday.

Organizer Brandi Gibson is looking for donations of everything from dental floss and shaving cream to tea bags and comic books.

"So far, we've had a very positive response," said Gibson. "But not much has been dropped off yet.

"We want to be able to give as much as we can to the troops."

Soldiers now have basics like housing and Internet access in Iraq, but they need comfort items, including letters of support and homemade cards and pictures. They also enjoy newspapers and other literature that will help them catch up on news in the United States. Mad Magazine, pocket-size books, disposable cameras, cookies, playing cards, batteries and earphones are appreciated, Gibson said.

Items can be dropped off at Minden Elementary School at 1170 Baler St., Gardnerville Elementary School at 111 Toler Lane, Northwest Martial Arts, 1321 Highway 395, The Record-Courier, 1503 Highway 395 in Gardnerville, or Belle's Boutique, 1644 Highway 395 in Minden.

The deadline is Saturday, since items must be sorted and sent by Monday. Northwest Martial Arts - which is funding the effort - will be open until 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and will be accepting drop-offs.

For more information, call Gibson at 782-8858.

• Record-Courier reporter Jo Rafferty contributed to this story.

You can help

Other suggested items, for troops serving in Iraq:

Beef jerky, pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, trail mix, soap, lip balm, baby lotion, deodorant, nail clippers, feminine products, shaving cream, dryer sheets, writing paper, comic books, pocket-sized books, padded mailing envelopes, squirt guns, Slinkies, stress balls, pocket electronic games, handkerchiefs, Zip-loc bags, instant coffee in packets, powdered hot chocolate packages, tea bags and other powdered drinks to help with hydration.