Organizations collecting items for troops deployed overseas

With Christmas rapidly approaching, two Cherokee County organizations are hoping to send a piece of the holiday spirit to local soldiers fighting for the freedoms we cherish.

The Cherokee County branch of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Cherokee County Family Readiness Group are in the process of accepting goods to send to troops overseas.

"This project is getting up and running," Shellie Wylie, of the ARC, said. "This is a real important project, and we want the troops to know we are thinking about them while they are defending us as a country."

Soldiers deployed to areas across the world receive several supplies necessary to everyday life- most of which are work related.

"The military does not always provide everything needed for these soldiers," Wylie said. "What we are basically doing with this drive is making sure they do not go without."

Items such as shaving cream, hand sanitizer, single blade razors and other things are the primary things being asked to be donated. But Wylie hopes other items like magazines, nonperishable snacks and especially phone cards will be brought in as well.

"A little bit becomes a lot," Wylie said. "I made a personal promise that I, along with the county would do our part," Wylie said. "We are patriotic and appreciate everything. So with them risking their lives for us, I know a little bit of sacrifice on our part will not hurt at all."

Already lining up to help with the drive is the county's Girl Scout Troop 2623, who will assist these organizations with the packing and shipping of goods.

Donations are being taken until Nov. 9. Items can be dropped off at any one of these sites: the Cherokee County branch of the ARC in Gaffney, the Cherokee County armory and both the Blacksburg and Gaffney branches of the Cherokee County Library.

If you want to send a monetary donation, please make checks payable to the Family Readiness Group, P.O. Box 566, Gaffney S.C. 29340.