Mary Keating works in the City's Housing and Human Services Division. Mary, along with a group of local veterans, are collecting small items that men and women serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces need – some of which people might not think of as being necessities.
For example, items like local or sports magazines, paper and envelopes and paperback books can help pass the time.
Also welcome are personal care items such as lip balm, wet wipes, shampoo, hair conditioner, hand lotion, deodorant, sealable plastic bags, shower caps, and sun screen.
Because service members often travel, snacks that come in small packages that can be resealed – including protein bars, cookies and beef jerky – are much needed.
Mary said participants bringing gifts should bring only the items on the list. The military screens packages, and may not authorize a service member to receive something that is not approved.
The items can be dropped off at the Housing & Human Services Office in the lower level of the Eden Prairie Center mall on Friday, May 5, 2006.
Also on Friday, May 5, there will be a "Support Our Troops" event at the Office of Housing & Human Services that runs officially from 9:30 a.m. until Noon. If you have items that you would like to have sent to our troops, and can't get to the Mall in that time period, Mary Keating will be in her office until after 5 p.m.
So stop by the Eden Prairie Center tomorrow (Friday, May 5), write a letter to a member of the Armed Services, donate some needed items or simply say 'Hello' to hard working employees that make up the City's Housing & Human Services team.
