Donation drive for service members ending July 1

The donation drive for military service members in Afghanistan is coming to a close.

Fairfield resident Jane Rowe, who helped get the drive under way, said plans are for the items to be packed up July 1, so any one planning to contribute items for service members or monetary donations to help pay postage should do so right away.

Items can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at the local VFW.

?Thank you to so many people who are supporting the VFW and me in securing items needed by our soldiers,? said Rowe.

Rowe approached the VFW about holding the donation drive after receiving a call from her son T.J., a retired Marine.

He told his mother that one of his friends stationed in an isolated area of Afghanistan said they have food and everything else they need, but they?re running out of the personal items, like toothpaste, laundry deodorant, soap, shampoo and deodorant.

The No. 1 toiletry item requested by the field troops is baby wipes, said Rowe.

The list also includes: foot powder or something that will dry boots, boot inserts, body powder, disposable razors, shave cream, electric shavers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth wash, eye wash, small-size waterless hand cleanser, hair clippers, deodorant, laundry detergent, soap, body wash, cotton swabs, nail clippers, sun screen and lip balm.

Service women also are requesting shampoo, conditioner, lotions, rubber bands for hair, hair gel for all types of ethnicity, face wash, manicure kits, deodorant, sun block, personal hygiene products and wash clothes.

For information, call Rowe at 472-4347.