State Rep. Teams Up With USO For Local Holiday Donation Drive

HINSDALE, IL — State Representative Patti Bellock, a Hinsdale Republican, reminds constituents that the last day to donate items for USO care packages to benefit the men and women of the U.S. military serving at home and abroad this holiday season is Monday, Nov. 27. Items can be donated during normal business hours at Representative Bellock’s district office in Westmont on Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass Avenue. The donation box is located in front of Representative Bellock’s office, Suite 205.

“I am pleased to partner with the USO again this year to collect items for our brave service members across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces," Bellock said in a release. “These men and women are away from their families and loved ones over the holidays. The generous donations of individuals within our community can help make sure our active duty military personnel know how much they are thought of and appreciated here at home.”

The list of items the USO recommends for donation include:

• Children’s toys and games (all ages), assorted sports balls and accessories, books, coloring books, crayons, art and craft supplies, iTunes gift cards and headphones
• Prepaid Debit Cards or Gift Cards (any denominations) for individual military families in need to larger chains (e.g., Walmart, Target, etc.) are best and offer the most flexibility for families
• Food: Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, Ramen Noodles/Cup of Noodles, Powdered Drink Mix, Seasoning Salt, Coffee (Instant, Ground & K-Cups), Granola Bars/Protein Bars, Trail Mix/Raisins, Dry Snacks, Mixed Nuts/Peanuts/Pringles, Fruit Cups, Chewing Gum/Hard Candy
• Entertainment: Books, Magazines, Crossword Puzzles, iTunes Gift Cards, Headphones/Ear Buds, DVDs (Movies & TV Series), Video Games
• Hygiene Items (smaller, travel size works best): Baby Wipes, Deodorant, Kleenex, Lotion, Toothpaste/Toothbrush, Shampoo, Soap, Female Hygiene Items
• Miscellaneous Items: 3 in 1 detergent/fabric softener/dryer sheet, air fresheners

Please do not donate the following:

• Aerosol-type containers
• Anything that will melt or spoil – shipping can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks
• Pornography, alcohol, tobacco
• Anything fragile or irreplaceable – things break and/or packages are lost or stolen

Image via Shutterstock.