Bring the Holidays to our Troops!

We need to move fast! We’re supporting the 192nd MP Battalion from Connecticut by collecting snacks, food, and hygiene items because there is always a need for those items.  But, since things are relatively well established over there, our emphasis is bringing the holidays to our deployed troops!

We would love things like decorations, games, DVDs, cards of well wishes, cards or items made by children. We’re looking for fund stuff to package up and deliver to Connecticut’s 192nd Military Police Battalion and other service men and women with family in Connecticut and all across the United States.

But we need to move fast! To ensure delivery to our troops overseas, we need to make a big push over the next 72 hours!

Update: Fitzgerald’s Fine Foods in Simsbury is now a drop-off point and makes it easy to donate. Bring them $10 or $20 and they will put together care packages for you! (See their address below)

We will primarily be sending to the 192nd Military Police Battalion out of Connecticut, but the more stuff we get, the more troops we will be able to add to our list. If you have a soldier’s address you would like us to add to our list, or have any questions about the drive, contact us using the form below and our organizer extraordinaire Mel will get back to you as soon as possible.

What are we looking to send?

First off, you would be surprised how a simple note or card of thanks from a stranger boosts the morale and spirits of a soldier. Include them with your donations! Note: We’re also collecting holiday cards for the families here on the home front.

We are unable to take cash (except at Fitzgerald’s), but we could use small packing boxes and rolls of clear shipping tape. Here’s a list of suggested items.

• iTunes Gift Cards
• Christmas and Holiday Cards – even just notes of well-wishes
• Double-stuffed Oreos
• Holiday decorations
• Board Games
• Chap Stick
• Deodorant
• Beef Jerky
• Trail Mix & Craisins Trail Mix
• Gatorade
• Jelly Beans
• CDs and DVDs
• Hot Chocolate
• Hot Apple Cider
• Bug Repellent
• Battery Operated Fans
• Wet Wipes
• Foot Powder
• Sunblock

A note about food: Chocolate this time of year is OK, but you never know how long these packages can be sitting outside in the sun awaiting final delivery. Things in tin or strong type containers always fair better in travel. When purchasing things like mac and cheese, remember items such as butter and milk are not available. Things that only need water added are best. Microwavable items are fine.

Remember, we are unable to send pork, adult reading material, or alcohol.

In this drive, we are not accepting homemade baked goods, but  there is a “Cookies for the Troops” drive held by the Glastonbury VFW at South Congregational Church, 1301 Forbes St., East Hartford on December 6, 2009 from 1 to 3 pm. For more information call (860) 690-2845.

Drop off locations

Fitzgerald’s Fine Foods – Map & directions
710 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070
http://fitzgeraldsfoods.com
Hours: Every day 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
(860) 658-2271

Fitzgerald’s is a drop-off location, plus they are taking your cash donations of $10 or $20 and building out the care packages for you! Making it easy in the Valley!

Kamco New England – Map & directions
179 Burnham Street
East Hartford, Conn.
http://kamconewengland.com/
Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When you walk in, ask for Fast Eddie (Mel’s Dad) and be sure to give him a hard time. Kamco has always been a strong ally in supporting our fine men and women in uniform.

Scott’s Orchard and Nursery – Map & directions
1838 New London Tnpk
Glastonbury, Conn.
http://scottsorchardandnursey.com
Hours: 7 days, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mel works here, if you’re looking to avoid me I’m not there on Monday and Wednesdays, most other days I am there. Christmas trees will be arriving soon, can you believe it? The Scott family has a long tradition of charitable generosity and are strong supporters of our troops.

Zest – Map & directions
167 Tolland Stage Rd (Rt 74)
Tolland, Conn.
http://www.zestofct.com
Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Zest is owned by Carrie Landry, Mel’s cousin. Fabulous food if you have yet to stop in and she is now taking orders for yummy Thanksgiving side dishes. You may have heard her with Ray as a featured Restaurant of the Week earlier in the year or seen her on Better Connecticut. She is proud to be a drop-off location for our Troops this holiday season!

NAPA in Canton – Map & directions
220 Albany Tpke # 11
in the Canton Village
Canton, Conn.
(860) 693-0777
Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Canton NAPA is owned by Gary Barnes and Brian Kelley.  The Barnes family has two sons currently serving in the Army and is excited to help out. Ensure you thank the family when you stop by!

Meriden Fire Department – Multiple Locations…
168 Capitol Avenue – 61 Pratt Street – 561 Broad Street – 260 Sherman Avenue – 1075 East Main Street

Send an e-mail to Mel