& Wyandot Counties
125 Fair Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
redcross.org/hancock /
Contact: Todd James
Telephone: 419-422-9322
Red Cross Asks Public to Give Something that Means Something this Holiday SeasonItems for care packages, holiday cards being collected
(UPPER SANDUSKY, OH) October 20, 2014—Imagine being a U.S. service member stationed abroad. You miss your friends and family, but you also miss those little things that remind you of home - the smell of the soap you used every day or those cookies you'd have every Sunday afternoon. You can help the American Red Cross collect little things that bring back big memories for our brave service members.
Red Cross volunteers in Wyandot County are collecting specific items to be distributed to armed forces personnel in Kuwait, and Djibouti. Care packages will be assembled and sent to our service members to show them that we appreciate their sacrifice and to bring them a little comfort from home.
Red Cross volunteers will be collecting items at the Walmart store Upper Sandusky on Saturday, November 1, 10:00am-5:00pm. Volunteers will be at the entrance with a list of the items being collected. Shoppers can pick up items from the list and give them to the volunteers as they leave the store.
Items can also be dropped off at Commercial Savings Bank offices in Carey and Upper Sandusky during business hours beginning Friday, October 24.
Red Cross Executive Director Todd James says the list of items being collected comes straight from the troops. “The Department of Defense has provided a list of items that our brave men and women need and want, so that’s the list we are using to fill the care packages,” says James. Items needed include:
Beef / turkey jerky (no pork)
Body wash / conditioner / shampoo
Chips / nuts / pretzels / sunflower seeds**
Crackers / cheese spreads**
Dental floss / mouth wash/ toothbrushes/ toothpaste
Deodorant
DVD Movies
Fly swatters
Foot lotion / powder
Granola / Nutra-Grain bars
Hand sanitizer
Hard candy
Insect repellent
Lip balm
- more --
Page 2
Phone cards
Shaving cream / razors / refills
Sunscreen
Sweet snacks (cookies / Rice Krispie Treats)**
**Individual, snack, or travel size ONLY please!
James says the deadline for collecting the items is Friday, November 14. “That gives us enough time to pack the boxes and get them in the mail, so they arrive overseas in time for the holiday season.”
Holiday Mail For Heroes
James says the Red Cross is also sending holiday greetings to servicemembers, veterans and military families at home and abroad again this year in,the Red Cross Holiday Mail For Heroes program. “It just takes a moment to sign a card and share your appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military and veteran community.” The Red Cross will be hosting card making party on Thursday, November 20, 6:00-8:00pm at Beca House Coffee 128 S. Sandusky St. in Upper Sandusky. Supplies will be provided for attendees to make holiday cards. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters, monetary donations, or any other inserts with the cards and from using glitter. More information and card requirements can be found atredcross.org/holidaymail. Cards can also be sent to 125 Fair St., Findlay, OH 45840. Any cards received before November 14 will be included in the Holiday Care Packages.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/hancock, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/hancockcountyredcross or follow us on Twitter at @HancockRedCross.
###