Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,Iâ€â€Pulaski) today thanked the community for donating to the annual item drive for troops held by the Pulaski Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. The organizations ensure that several hundred deployed military and their families receive Christmas presents, stockings and decorated Christmas trees in time for the holidays. For the past three years, Assemblyman Barclay’s office has assisted in the drive.
“I’m pleased we can assist the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary in their efforts to see that troops who spend the holidays away from their families receive Christmas gifts and holiday decorations,†said Barclay. “The community always donates generously to the drive. And volunteers make gifts, stuff stockings, wrap presents, and package care items for troops,†added Barclay.
Most of the donated items have been sent. This year, about 600 stockings, and 200 decorated Christmas trees were sent to military in Iraqi, Afghanistan and Africa. People donated primarily food and candy this year but there is still a need for travel-size personal care products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving items, lip balm and eye drops. If the VFW collects enough after Christmas, items will be shipped during the year.
“These care packages, and the work the VFW does with the Ladies Auxiliary to make sure they’re assembled and received, mean a good deal to our servicemen and women abroad. In the past, troops have expressed their gratitude to those who donate, write cards or make artwork,†said Barclay.â€Â
To learn more about the item drive or to donate travel-size hygiene products, call the Pulaski VFW at (315) 298-2660.
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