BELLA VISTA — Can you believe it? We have less than two months until Christmas. Wow!

Have you thought about your shopping yet? Have you done any or all of it?

Either way, I want to ask that you add one more person to your list this year — an American serviceman or servicewoman, particularly those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For nearly two years now, the staff of The Weekly Vista has been collecting, packing and shipping boxes to troops in the war zones.

While donations have fallen off of late, we haven’t stopped this project. We ship year-round whenever we have enough items to fill a box.

Since Nov. 15, 2007, we have sent 127 packages to our troops. That’s an amazing figure when you think of it.

We have sent 1,635.7 pounds of toiletries, food, reading material, lip balm, sunscreen — you name it, we shipped it —at a cost of $1,900.46.

The money to send these items came from you, our neighbors and readers. It is only because of your generosity that we have been able to do this.

Well, while we still have a good chunk of money in the bank — $822.87 — the cupboards are bare, so to speak, when it comes to inventory to send.

So, with Christmas on the horizon, won’t you help? Won’t you buy a little extra something the next time you are at the grocery store or some other outlet?

Here are some of the things they need — we have a more complete list here at the office:

• Nonperishable food and snacks;

• Lip balm;

• Sunscreen;

• Writing tablets and pens or pencils;

• Reading material (See page 1A for additional information on this);

• Playing cards;

• Toiletries. It is suggested that you avoid hotel samples, as some people have allergies and need brand names with the ingredients listed;

• Baby wipes;

• Hand sanitizer;

• Body wash, liquid soap and facial cleaner;

• Shampoo;

• Hair gel;

• Deodorant;

• Combs and brushes;

• Razors;

• Cotton balls;

• First-aid items;

• Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil, etc.;

• Eye drops;

• Vitamins;

• Nail files;

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste;

• Hard candy;

• Hand-held games;

• Game books;

• Music CDs and movie DVDs;

• Cotton T-shirts (need to be green or tan);

• Air fresheners (no aerosol cans);

• Socks made of cotton or wool;

• Fly swatters, mosquito netting and bug spray in plastic pump containers only;

• Fleece blankets (winter is coming);

• Other items for warmth, such as gloves, scarves and knit hats; and

• Disposable hand warmers.

As you can see the list is quite long, and I have only put in a few of the items.

While there are many things we can send to the men and women, there are some things that we cannot — and we will exclude them if we receive them.

We cannot ship:

• Pornographic material;

• Tobacco items;

• Home-baked items;

• Glass of any kind;

• Aerosol cans or sprays;

• Expired food;

• Lighters and matches or lighter fluid; and

• Weapons of any kind.

Due to the time of year, we are all on a tight schedule to get items overseas by Christmas. See page 2A for specific mailing deadlines and other information.

So, now that you know what you need to know, have at it. Shop for a few of these items and bring them by our office at 313 Town Center West, behind the former Finish Line gas station. We’re here 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. Or, mail them yourself to somebody you know serving their country.

And don’t forget those who are serving in other venues as well. They will likely be away from home for Christmas, too.

If you do not have anything to donate but would like to help, you can provide us with money to ship the boxes. Call us at 855-3724 for details.

* * *

Grant is managing editor of The Weekly Vista. He has worked two decades as a reporter and editor in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 11/04/2009

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