News Release

News Release MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY Contact: Jessica Novak Office of Marketing and Communications	www.USO.org Date Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Topic: Donations aim to bring some comfort and joy to soldiers deployed during the holidays
Printer Friendly Version: Donations aim to bring some comfort and joy to soldiers deployed during the holidays
Lakeland designated a USO drop-off point, deadline Nov. 20 for holiday packages With the holidays nearing, many Americans are making their lists and checking them twice. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of the nation’s soldiers will be spending their holidays across the globe, serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the spirit of the holidays, Lakeland Community College is seeking donations for soldiers and has been designated a USO drop-off point for Lake County. Drop-off sites are at the main campus, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094, in A building in the admissions office, the bookstore, Breakers dining hall, B building rooms B2 and B3, H and T building's faculty offices, and the library. The deadline is Friday, November 20, 2009 for donations to be shipped overseas in time for the holidays. Top requested items are: Men’s and women's travel size toiletries such as: deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste/brushes, dental floss, shaving cream and disposable razors; health items such as: eye, ear, or cough drops, bug spray (towelettes preferred), and lip balm; wellness items such as: magazines (nothing offensive), zipper lock baggies (non-gallon), batteries, and disposable cameras; Food: The most requested food item is Slim Jims/beef Jerky. Also needed: tuna, Vienna sausages, sardines (small cans), jelly (small, no glass), tea, coffee, powdered drink mixes (individual preferred), fruit snacks, and trail mix. Financial donations are also sought; each care package costs approximately $12 to send. For more information, call 216-265-3680. About Operation USO Care Package The anthrax threat after Sept. 11, 2001 led the Department of Defense to halt the forwarding of correspondence and individual care packages addressed to “Any Service Member.” In its place, the Operation USO Care Package program was created as a safe alternative for the public to show their support. The USO works closely with the U.S. Department of Defense to distribute care packages where the need is greatest.