By Judy Seifert (Contact / Staff Bio)
October 28, 2009 - 10:15 a.m. EST

VASSAR — Volunteers working with Operation Care Package, a nationwide group that sends boxes to soldiers, is looking for items to fill their boxes and the deadline is fast approaching.

Local volunteers, Gwen Larson and her daughter Patty Gong, have been busy making pillows and neck gators with hoods. “They need so much and with the help of the community we can fulfil that need,” Patty said.

Last week, state-wide, 428 boxes were sent out. In Vassar, Gwen and Patty are hoping to have their boxes filled by Oct. 30.

Empty boxes are currently at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library.

“We want to get our boxes sent out by Oct. 31. The cost for us to send one is about $11, so monetary donations are accepted as well,” Patty added.

Another project the volunteers are working on is Operation Christmas Socks. The last day for that collection is Nov. 13.

“The troops need to know that we support them 100 percent,” said Gwen. “And that we appreciate them. So let’s spread the word and help.”

Items needed include bar soap, cookies, batteries, crackers, hard candy, bug spray, gum, pretzels, chips, beef jerky, sunglasses, lip balm, disposable razors, saline nose spray, instant coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate, shampoo, shaving cream, socks, scarves, hats, zip lock bags, games and more.

For a complete list, visit www.ocpmi.com