Holiday Drive For Troops Overseas

NORTH FORK, NY — Once again, the community is coming together to brighten the holiday season for troops stationed far from home.

The 4th Annual Holiday Collection for Deployed Servicemen and Women, organized by Claire Kennedy and Patty Hocker, is now underway.

"This year we are collecting holiday gifts for Navy servicemen and women on the USS New York," organizers said.

Tracy Grim from Cutchogue is the local contact for the effort, they said.

"Part of the steel on it is from the fallen Twin Towers, so this one really means a lot to us as New Yorkers," they added.

Due to space restrictions on the ship and Navy regulations, this year, the focus is on collecting gift cards valued at no more than $20, as well as cash donations toward the purchase of a gift for the entire crew — games, etc. Gift card ideas include Amazon, Ebay, Google Play, iTunes, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy; cash donations will also be used for shipping purposes.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 5 at locations including:

Southold Fish Market, Southold

Southold Pharmacy, Southold

Wendy's Deli, Mattituck

Additional drop off locations will be coming soon.

Patch courtesy photo.