Letters to the editor, July 21, 2009

Care packages for Marines

One of my best friends is among the Marines deployed to Afghanistan. He tells me of blistering heat (We can relate, I know!), few comforts and fatigue. In these lean times, we may not have much, but we have more than they do.  

I have a list of “little luxuries” which my friend tells me would be greatly appreciated by our fighting men and women. Next time you go shopping, perhaps you could pick up an item or two and drop it by my clinic, Back on Track, down at the Old Barstow Mall. I’ll mail care packages as often as we can accumulate a box full.

On the list of “need to have”: batteries (AA, AAA, 123A), hygiene items (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Q-tips), laundry soap (powders only), individual drink mixes (there are even packets to make juice with), baby wipes, hand sanitizer, foot powder and Gold Bond powder.  

A separate list of “would be nice to have” includes: battery-operated fans (remember batteries), assorted snacks (protein bars, beef jerky, trail mix, cookies), note taking/letter writing material (no stamps needed), new towels, body wipes, reading material (current magazines, paperback books though no romance novels, please), puzzle books.

Nothing makes your day, when you are hot, tired and far from home, more than seeing smiles on the faces of children. My friend tells me the local children LOVE ink pens and small toys.

Please help me remind our friends and family overseas that we think about them daily.  

Thank you.

Jackie Randa , Barstow