Peoria Kicks Off Christmas for the Troops
Play Santa for a soldier and get into the holiday spirit early with the Peoria Sunset Lions Club Foundation and city of Peoria, which are coordinating a Christmas for the Troops collection now through Nov 20.
10/22/2014
The public is encouraged to donate items from a list (see below) as well as to sign holiday greeting cards, which will be included in the boxes.
The collection sites are located at the Peoria Main Library and Peoria City Hall, 8401 W. Monroe St, Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson St., Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd, Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Ave. and all Peoria Fire stations.
“We are honored to assist in gathering necessary items that can make an impact for our troops all over the world,” said Rachelle Barrett, wife of Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett. “More importantly, it is also an opportunity for the community to share holiday wishes during a time of the year when deployed soldiers will be apart from their families.”
Last year, the Peoria Sunset Lions Club Foundation sent 344 boxes of items to more than 200 troops.
Items that are needed include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, toothpaste, tooth brushes, toilet paper, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, wash cloths, baby wipes, eye drops, lip balm, sunscreen, white tube socks, black or tan uniform socks, winter thermal underwear, protein bars, tuna cans, jerky, healthy snacks, candy, gum, books, magazines, game books, phone cards, detergent pods, wrap around sun glasses and cash donations to help defray postage costs. Travel size items are preferred.
The boxes which will be sent to deployed military men and women at the end of November just in time for the holiday season. For more information call 623.773.7739 or visit www.peoriaaz.gov/troops.