Troops need a holiday too

Support Our Soldiers, a local effort to provide gifts for American troops in Iraq at Christmas, is still looking for contributions. The deadline for dropping off items is Saturday.

Organizer Brandi Gibson is looking for donations of comfort items, everything from dental floss and shaving cream to tea bags and comic books.

"So far we've had a very positive response (since the Record-Courier article ran Nov. 8)," said Gibson. "But, not much has been dropped off yet.

"We want to be able to give as much as we can to the troops."

Soldiers now have basics like housing and Internet access in Iraq, but they need comfort items, including letters of support and home-made cards and pictures. They also enjoy newspapers and other literature that will help them catch up on news in the United States. Mad Magazine, pocket-sized books, disposable cameras, cookies, playing cards, batteries and earphones will all be appreciated, Gibson said.

Items can be dropped off at Minden Elementary School at 1170 Baler St., Gardnerville Elementary School at 111 Toler Lane, Northwest Martial Arts, 1321 Highway 395 or The Record-Courier, 1503 Highway 395 in Gardnerville.

Belle's Boutique, 1644 Highway 395 in Minden, is also accepting these donations.

The deadline is Saturday, since items must be sorted and sent by Monday. Northwest Martial Arts will be open until 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, and will be accepting drop-offs.

Northwest Martial Arts is funding this effort. For more information, call Gibson at 782-8858.

n Jo Rafferty contributed to this story.

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Other suggested items, for troops serving in Iraq:

Beef Jerky, pretzels, rice krispie treats, trail mix, soap, lip balm, baby lotion, deodorant, nail clippers, feminine products, shaving cream, dryer sheets, writing paper, comic books, pocket-sized books, padded mailing envelopes, squirt guns, slinkies, stress balls, pocket electronic games, handkerchiefs, zip-lock bags, instant coffee in packets, powdered hot chocolate packages, tea bags and other powdered drinks to help with hydration.