Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization and its wish list.
If your group has a list it would like to share, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number.
Tammy Murphy, president of Blue Star Mothers Dayton, Chapter 3, wrote to tell us her organization is in desperate need of holiday items for the troops.
“We are preparing to pack for our Stocking Stuffing for the Troops and donations have been very low,” she said. “Previously, we have been blessed by the generosity of the people of the Miami Valley and our Make a Difference readers. But donations have diminished and yet the need of our Troops is increasing! If you can, please consider making a donation of an item (or two) from our wish list.”
We’ve been writing about the Miami Valley Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers for years. The active organization of dedicated moms works year-round to provide care packages to deployed troops who otherwise do not have access to items or support from home.
The group will be stuffing stockings for the troops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. They are hoping to fill a minimum of 1,000 stockings again this year.
“While we can all understand separation from our loved ones serving in the military is tough, the holidays make that even more difficult,” Murphy says.
Here’s an updated list of the most needed items:
- Canned fruit (small cans with pull tops — no plastic containers)
- Trail mix (small)
- Mints/gum/candy
- Lip balm
- Nuts (small packages)
- Granola bars
- Beef jerky
- Microwave ravioli/soup/stew/mac 'n cheese/microwave popcorn
- Microwave ready oatmeal
- Toaster pastries
- Drink mixes (single-serving packages)
- Toothbrushes (packaged individually)
- Large toothpaste
- Mouth wash (travel size)
- Dental floss
- Hand warmers
- Disposable razors (male and female)
- Lotion (small, no pumps)
- Foot Powder
- Eye Drops
- Men's body wash/shampoo (all in one)
- Women's body wash
- Women's shampoo
- Tampons
- Baby wipes (no large containers)
Drop off your donations at the Troop Donation Center, located at 6661 Clyo Road in Centerville. A barrel is placed outside for drop-offs after hours and the center is staffed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. most Saturdays.
Note that boxes are sent to the troops throughout the year so items are always needed and can be dropped off at the same location. The organization also accepts monetary donations to help with shipping costs. Checks may be made out to Blue Star Mothers, Miami Valley Chapter #3 and mailed to P.O Box 292722, Dayton, OH 45429.
For more information, visit www.bluestarmothersdayton.com or call (937) 671-8636 to speak with Chapter #3 President Tammy Murphy.
About the Author
