Real estate firm seeks supplies for U.S. troops
For those already getting into the holiday spirit, Century 21 Pace Estates offices are collecting donations for their Supplies for the GIs to ship to U.S. troops overseas in time for Christmas.
The list of items needed ranges from snacks, candy, cold medicine and get well cards to toiletries, toys, games, DVDs, CDs, crossword puzzles and books. Also in demand overseas are fluffy towels, new socks, microwave popcorn and flea collars. The troops wear flea collars to deter sand fleas.
All three offices of the Pace Estates group—Valparaiso, Lakes of the Four Seasons and Crown Point—are participating in the effort. Valarie Kubacki, realtor with the Valparaiso office, said the idea came from a woman at the LOFS office, who knows somebody serving in the Middle East,, and it has grown to the other offices.
“It was a good fit and a good project to get involved in,” Kubacki said. “We will be sending the first round of boxes in November. They have to go out by Nov. 15 to get there before Christmas.
“We will continue doing it. There are too many over there for it to be a one-time thing.”
She said a baseball organization donated some baseballs troops can give to the kids along with things such as yo-yos, Silly String, water guns, playing cards and Rubik’s Cubes. Almost any small form of entertainment is needed, including writing paper.
Snack items must be able to travel well and include sports drinks, salsa, sunflower seeds, jerky, cereal bars, small cans of chili, nacho cheese in a can, spice Chex Mix, Cajun Pringles, Extreme Doritos, Ritz Bits, Cheetos, Power Bars, Cracker Jacks and Twizzlers. Canned fruit, soup packages and tea bags also are wanted.
The toiletries list includes foot powder, boot inserts, nail clippers, foot lotion, toothbrushes, baby wipes, Q-Tips, dental floss picks and feminine products as well as travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, mouthwash and deodorant.
Money also is needed to help cover shipping costs. Donations can be dropped off at any of the Century 21 Pace Estates offices.
