Give To The Troops This Season

With over 100,000 U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan alone, members of the and the Grayslake community are coming together to help send some support from our own community.

"Our mission is simple: to provide our local troops with personal items they are in need of as they continue to fight for our freedoms," says Battalion Chief Jim Weidman. "It's our goal to ship over 100 care packages in December."

Now thru Dec. 4, residents are being encouraged to drop off items that will be shipped to troops serving in Afghanistan. These everyday items, we take for granted, include small non-perishable food items (beef jerky, cookies, candy, snacks, oatmeal packets, trail mix); toiletries (baby wipes, deodorant, hair gel, bug spray, aspirin, eye drops, soap, shampoo); entertainment items (books, playing cards, magazines, DVD's, games, stationary); and clothing (t-shirts, socks, boxers).

The committee is also in need of monetary donations to help off-set the cost of shipping the boxes from Grayslake to Afghanistan.

"Boxes are being donated by the US Postal Service, but our goal is to raise $1,500 to cover the $12.95 per care package shipping charge," Weidman said.

Monetary donations should be made payable to and sent to the . Please add "Troop Collection" in the memo line.

Currently, drop off locations for items to be shipped include Grayslake Fire Station #1; the Lake County Farm Bureau, 70 US Hwy 45 Grayslake; and Northwestern Lake Forrest Hospital, 1475 E. Belvidere, Grayslake.

Volunteers are needed to help collect and pack boxes at Grayslake Fire Station #1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. 

"The success of this event is reliant on the entire Grayslake community coming together to thank our local soldiers fighting for the freedoms we enjoy each and every day," said Weidman.

Grayslake residents are encouraged to submit names and addresses of Grayslake residents, military family members and friends serving in Afghanistan so that local troops can receive the care packages.

For more information about the collection and a complete list of items needed, visit www.grayslakefire.com or call 847-223-8960.

- Submitted by the Grayslake Fire Department.