BLUE STAR MOTHERS SEEK DONATIONS FOR DEPLOYED TROOPS

The local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America is collecting donations for holiday Care packages to be sent to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Items needed include: candy canes, small Christmas ornaments, holiday greeting cards, New Year hats and confetti, hot chocolate and apple cider packets, microwave popcorn, granola bars, lip balm, handheld games, and small puzzle or word books.

Donated items should be dropped off before the packaging date of November 17th at one of the following locations: Escondido Charter High School, Valley Center Roadrunner office, or Valley Center High School. Pick-ups can also be arranged. Items can be dropped off at the Escondido American Legion on the 17th as well. The addresses and additional items that would be appreciated can be found at the organization’s web site www.sdncbluestarmothers.org.

Financial contributions to help offset the cost of postage are also greatly appreciated. Hopefully, enough donations will be received to match the last mailing of 300 packages sent to deployed troops in July, which cost about $9 per package to send. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 301456, Escondido, CA 92030.

Blue Star Mothers of America is a non-profit, non-political support group of mothers whose children are serving in all branches of the military. Besides providing moral and emotional support for one another, the organization sponsors many activities in support of military personnel, veterans groups and causes that directly benefit the armed forces. This includes participating in the Miramar Air Show and the San Diego Veterans Day parade, holding picnics and activities for the local wounded warriors, and acting as “huggers” at local deployment farewells and homecomings.

Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at the American Legion in Escondido and all are welcome. For more information, go to the web site or call the president, Kathryn Hood, at (760) 594-4853.