Red Cross seeks items for troops

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 11, 2003
Last year, hundreds of people flocked to Union Station to see a display celebrating the nation's home front efforts during World War II.
The exhibit, called "Produce for Victory" was part of a national tour from the Smithsonian Institution. It also included local memorabilia from the World War II era.
On Saturday, people have been invited back to Union Station to support American fighting men and women at war again, this time in Iraq, by sending them a "Touch of Home" through the mail by way of the American Red Cross.
Cheri Barry, director of the Key Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the "Touch of Home" project is part of the chapter's Quality of Life program. It was scheduled as one of several "Operation Support" efforts to show local support for troops deployed in the war with Iraq.
She said Saturday's event, scheduled from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will include musical entertainment and food for sale. She said donations to defray the cost of shipping items to troops would be greatly appreciated.
Volunteers with the Red Cross will receive, sort, pack and ship items to troops.
Items requested include: Toothpaste; toothbrushes; wet wipes; sunscreen; wrap-around sun glasses; playing cards; postage stamps; batteries; individually wrapped candy; peanuts; popcorn; creamer; hand lotion; small board games; puzzles; books; videos; DVDs; music compact discs; and music cassettes.
For more information, or to volunteer to help, call the local Red Cross chapter at 485-5151.