Scouts initiate care package project as service for military personnel

YOUNGSTOWN

Whispering Pines District of the Greater Western Reserve Council, Boy Scouts of America, has initiated a project to provide much-needed items for our military personnel at home and abroad.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday the Scouts will be in the front lobby of the Youngstown Post Office, 99 S. Walnut St., where they will be preparing letters and care packages for those in the military. Then from 1 to 4 p.m. the Scouts will continue the project at the M7 tailgate lot during the Youngstown State University football game.

Mike Kupec, chairman of the Boy Scout project, learned what items the servicemen and -women need by contacting the Family Support Services Office at Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

Among the needed items are such things as shaving cream, razors, men’s underwear in all sizes, cotton socks, green T-shirts, hair brushes, face cream, small rugs, cloth clotheslines, clothes pins and personal hygiene items. They can also use baby wet wipes, deodorants, soap, washcloths, towels, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, regular sealed aspirin, adhesive bandages, twin flat sheets, and AA and AAA batteries.

Also appreciated would be nonperishable foods, small games, phone cards and even local newspapers.

The Scouts are asking the public to get involved in the project by taking a packed Priority Mail Flat Rate Box to the post office on Saturday. It can be mailed to a service person they know or a name of a military person can be provided. Cash donations will also be accepted to cover the mailing costs. The 12x12x5 1/2-inch boxes can be mailed to an APO/FPO address for $12.50.

The Scouts can also provide mailing addresses and information on veterans who have served their country and reside in Ohio Veterans Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown.

These veterans need such items as jackets in all sizes, slipper socks with treads, denture adhesive and cleaner, disposable razors, after shave lotions, back scratchers and craft items such as model kits.

Those interested in assisting the Scouts or for additional information on the project can call Kupec at 330-519-3988 or e-mail lasmak@neo.rr.com