ROCKINGHAM — American troops serving overseas will soon be receiving goodie boxes from Richmond County.
Members of VFW Post 4203 Auxiliary will be filling the boxes with snacks, cards, toiletries and other items before sending the care packages to units stationed in Europe, including 307th Engineer Battalion based out of Fort Bragg, and the Alpha Battery 3rd Battalion 6th Field Artillery Regiment based out of Fort Drum, New York.
In recent years, the Auxiliary has sent packages to troops stationed in Afghanistan, Japan, South Korea and even Greenland.
Funding for the care packages comes from the annual Rockin’ for Veterans concert. Last year’s event featured six local bands (or with local ties: Avenue 133, Marina Sol, Safety Committee, Aftermath, Hardwired and the Ponder Project.
While members will be buying many of the items from Sam’s Club, the Auxiliary is also asking the community to donate supplies.
The most-requested items include:
- granola, protein and energy bars
- beef jerky
- microwavable food (popcorn, ramen noodles)
- peanut butter and jelly
- Jello and pudding cups
- tuna and chicken in pouches
- chips and pretzels in a hard container
- dried fruit (store-bought)
- fruit snacks
- trail mix
- snack-size crackers (including Goldfish and Cheez-Its)
- hard candy
- gum
- cookies (store-bought)
- Pop-Tarts, cereal bars and Rice Krispie Treats (individually wrapped)
- instant oatmeal
- drink mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light, Kool-Aid)
- Instant Coffee
- tea bags
- kool aid
- protein powder
- sauce and seasoning packets
- salt and pepper packets
- seasoning salt
- condiments (travel size)
- toiletries and personal hygiene
- travel-size shampoo, conditioner,
- Toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash
- nail kits
- eyeglasses kits
- body wash and lotion (yes even for the guys)
- antiperspirant and deodorant
- washcloths
- sunscreen and insect repellent
- chapstick
- cleaning wipes
- foot/body powder
- feminine hygiene products
- combs, brushes, bobby pins, hair ties
- Razors, shaving cream, aftershave
- batteries
- frisbees, footballs and sports equipment
- crossword and sudoku puzzles
- playing cards, dice and other activities to share
- small first aid kit
- antibacterial ointment
- rubbing alcohol
- travel size medicines (pain meds, cold meds)
- anti-histamines
- ace bandages
- mentholated chest rub
- multi-vitamins
- nasal spray
- Vaseline
Packing will begin at noon Saturday at the VFW Post on Old River Road.
