By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – "Everyone needs a little help when they're away from home," said Laurie Jedlowski – member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
For that reason – the church as been collecting items and putting together small boxes to send to United States soldiers overseas. "I think the church itself has been collecting since November," Jedlowski said. And about three weeks ago, letters were sent out to the public inviting them to a culminating service Sunday, June 15 at 10:30. The special military service will include a "picnic" afterwards with refreshments and games and all the items collected will go to those serving overseas.
"They're away from their families," said Jedlowski. The church is looking for items like individually wrapped cheese and crackers, powdered Gatorade, lip balm, sunscreen, eye drops, pillowcases, phone cards and magazines.
Anyone attending the service is welcome to wear their red, white and blue and join them regardless of whether a donation is provided or not.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 1819 Oak Street in Niles. A complete 'wish list' for the troops is listed below:
Gum, candy, mints
Black socks (cotton)
Cheese and crackers (individually wrapped)
Dr. Scholl's foot inserts
Cookies (no chocolate) (individually wrapped)
Lip Balm
Pre-sweetened Kool-Aid
Sunscreen
Powder Gatorade
Eye drops/Saline Solution
Dried Fruit/Trail Mix
Travel size personal items
Band-Aids (especially w/ointment)
Non-Alcohol wet wipes
Fabric Softener Sheets
Pillow cases
Insect repellent – roll on or sheets (no spray)
Handkerchiefs
Cotton underwear (for females)
Prepaid phone cards
Sample size make-up
Newspaper comic pages
Feminine products
Newspaper crossword puzzles
Sudoku puzzles
Also requested:
Movies,
Playing cards
Music and books
Magazines