Sweetbay Collecting Coffee for Troops

It's an item that some take for granted, but it's the No. 1 request from active duty U.S. troops.

Coffee.

To fulfill that request, officials are asking the community to stop by any store in the Tampa Bay area and drop off a bag, brick or container of coffee by Wednesday, July 4. Collection bins are set up inside of Sweetbay locations, said Kasey Waterman, whose company, At the Table PR, represents Sweetbay.

"They make so many sacrifices for us everyday," she said. "It's the least we can do."

After the coffee is collected, it will be sent to active duty members of the military in more than 17 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, by Support Our Troops Inc. The nonprofit organization based in Wesley Chapel sends items to troops throughout the year.

"In the past, they've done other items such as honey buns," said Rachel Tuten, who volunteers with the organization. "Our soldiers need these items, so I think we need to support them.

Local Sweetbay Supermarkets are located at 15926 Fishhawk View Dr., Lithia; 10665 Big Bend Rd., Riverview; and 6929 U.S. 301 S., Riverview.