Each week, Meredith Moss writes about the non-profit organizations in our community and their specific needs. If you have a wish list you would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number. Meredith and this column have been honored with the first “Friend of Philanthropy Award” from the Association of Fund-raising Professionals.
Here’s your chance to make a difference in the lives of those who are currently serving in the military.
The Miami Valley chapter of Blue Star Mothers is holding its annual “TREATS for TROOPS” event. The organization routinely sends care packages to our deployed military. Its mission is to support all troops, veterans and each other.
“Our goal is to ensure all service men and women, in every branch, serving in any capacity away from their home, knows we care and are here to help,” says Tina Compton, second-vice president of the organization. “Every donation we receive is used toward supporting our heroes.
Compton says “TREATS for TROOPS” is the organization’s version of Trick-or-Treat” day. “It’s amazing to read the mail we get from the units who receive our packages,” she adds. “They are so thankful we think of them and support them.”
If you’d like to add a personal thank-you, the group will see that it gets into one of the care packages. You’re asked to make sure your note is not in a closed envelope and does not include last names. Items donated should be small so they can be tucked into a pocket and carried when service men and women go out on missions.
Here are some of the staples that are most needed and appreciated:
- Foods and snacks: beef jerky, Slim Jims, Vienna sausages, canned beans and wieners, canned fruit (pull top cans), powdered drink mixes, oatmeal, peanut butter crackers (no cheese), cookies, hot chocolate, nuts, trail mix packs, suckers, hard candy, tic-tacs, gum. No chocolate is permitted at this time of year because it can melt.
- Toiletries and dental products: Lip protectors, Q-Tips, toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste (large size), mouthwash, baby wipes, and disposable razors.
- Other: white tube socks, 2017 pocket calendars, pocket toys.
Bring your items to the Blue Star Mothers Troop Center — 6661 Clyo Road in Centerville — between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. You’ll see the flags flying. Because each package requires postage, money is also greatly appreciated.
Items can also be mailed to: Blue Star Mothers of America, Miami Valley Chapter #3, Box 292722, Dayton, OH 45429.
For more information, call (937) 671-8636 or visit www.bluestarmothers dayton.com.
Garden tools, anyone?
We’ve heard from a reader who is looking for an organization that might be interested in a donation of garden tools such as hoses, shovels, rakes, etc. If your non-profit group could use these kinds of supplies, please let me know at (937) 225-2440. Leave a message with your group’s name and contact, and a daytime phone number.
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