Adopt A Troop
The Congregational UCC of Newton has adopted the 186th Military Police out of Davenport, Iowa. This 120 member strong unit has just arrived in Iraq and will be serving our country for the next year. There are two young men from Newton serving with the 186th Blake DeReuchy and Andrew Shipley (Brenda Wilson's nephew and Bailee Shipley's brother).
Thanks to yo who donated in March. We collected over 50 pounds of food, toiletries, games and clothing to send to the 186th.
U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Andrew Shipley of the 186th Military Police Company, Iowa Army National Guard, reacts to sniper fire during mobilization training conducted by the 72nd Field Artillery Brigade on Fort Dix, N.J., Jan. 10th, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika
Needed Supplies
These brave young men and women could use the following during their tour of duty:
Prepaid international phone cards-be sure they are the kind you can use to call FROM the mid-east TO the US)
sunscreen
travel size toiletries
pens, stationary kits and stamps
hand-held video games
CD's and CD players (gently used okay)
DVD's and portable DVD players (gently used okay)
Drink mixes, like Gatorade and Kool-Aid, hot chocolate in single serving packets
Soap
Deodorant or antiperspirant-stick
Shaving necessities
Eye drops
Throat lozenges
Skin moisturizer
Nose Drops
Wraparound sunglasses
Gold Bond foot powder
Loofah sponges
Nail clippers
Lotions and creams especially made for foot care
Foot soaks
Board games (gently used okay) up to 10" long box
Books including crossword puzzles, sudoku, and word search
Salsa
Tuna Salad kits
Aerosol cheese
Cookies, cupcakes, and candy (avoid chocolate during hotter months)
Peanuts (small tins or bags)
Pringles or other canned chips & canned dip
Microwave popcorn
Men's boxer shorts-M to XL-the funnier the better!
X-Box or Playstation games (gently used okay)
Beef Jerky or Slim Jims
Cool-Tie neck wraps
Insoles for shoes
Lip Balm (Blistex, Carmex, etc.)
Travel size pillows and pillowcases (new only please)
Twin Size bed sheets (New only please)
1" paint brushes (to clean fine dust out of guns)
Talcum powder-small size
Body wash fragrance free in small size plastic containers
Hand sanitizer sm/md size
Mouthwash-small plastic containers
Toothpaste (trial size is great) and Toothbrushes
Hand and body lotion-fragrance free
Baby wipes
Band aids
Shampoo (small to medium size bottles)
QuattroPro, Mach 3, or other disposable double or more razors and refills
Shaving gel (NOT aerosol)
Thick cotton black socks!
White crew socks!
Anti-fungal socks
Black shoe polish
Eye glass cleaner
Bounce sheets (for fleas), flypaper, insect and mosquito coils or repellent
Lysol/Clorox cleaning wipes, etc.
Laundry detergent TABLETS or in small boxes--PLEASE NO whitening, or bluing!! Just REGULAR classic laundry detergentTable top flashlights
Map lights
Zip-lock baggies-snack size, quart size, gallon size and jumbo size (These are used to pack spillable items, and the troops re-use them for other things as well.)
Disposable cameras
Playing cards
Poker chips
AA & AAA batteries
Model car or airplane kits
Glue, paint & brushes for model kits
CURRENT sport or computer magazines
Frisbees
Baseball and softball equipment
Dominoes
Beanie Baby type small stuffed toys (for soldiers to give to local children)
Toy cars (matchbox size (for the children)
FOR FEMALE PERSONNEL:
Hair bands
Hair clips
Small mirrors
Non-aerosol hair spray
Hair gel
Facial cleanse
Facial moisturizer lotion
We cannot send alcohol, x-rated material, tobacco/cigarettes or pressurized items. Please avoid donating items in glass containers. Please avoid larger items such as quart size shampoo or large mouthwash. Plastic containers are best, in sizes up to about 8" tall.
The above list are SUGGESTED items to donate, based on input we have received from deployed personnel. Remember there are many other things you can donate...Let your imagination guide you as you shop for things a 19-40 years old might miss from home.
LETTERS & CARDS from home..with news of the day, encouragement, or our deep thanks and appreciation for the sacrifice they are making for our freedom.