Collecting supplies for our troops

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange community is being asked to donate items to be sent to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen who will be stationed away from home during the holiday season. A collection box will be available through Nov. 30 in the Municipal Clerk’s Office in Room 101 at Town Hall, 66 Main St. This effort is being organized by Suzanne Pennell, who can be contacted at [email protected].

Suggested items for donation include: Amazon gift cards, Halloween candy, travel-sized toiletries, feminine products, flushable wipes, baby wipes, Q-tips, lip balm, foot powder, hand sanitizers, playing cards, travel-sized board games, instant noodles and soups, granola bars, breath mints, canned food, microwaveable popcorn, protein bars, individual flavor packets for water bottles, beef jerky, Pop Tarts, cookie and cracker snack packs, hair accessories, laundry pods, dryer sheets, small puzzles, and puzzle books.

Pennell is also accepting financial donations to help offset shipping costs.

Also, you, your club, team or Scout troop are invited to make cards or letters to be sent to the troops; if you do this, do not use glitter or pipe cleaners and refrain from religious sentiments. 

Another way to get involved is to help pack boxes on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Roseland First Aid Squad Building on Eagle Rock Avenue. Email Pennell for details.

If you know a friend or loved one on active duty serving away from home, domestic or international, and would like for them to receive a care package, send their address to Pennell.

  U.S. Armed Forces