Jaycees support Stockings for Soldiers drive

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September 1, 2010

BY APRIL EVANS Commercial-News The Commercial-News Wed Sep 01, 2010, 11:42 PM CDT

DANVILLE — The Danville Jaycees are heading up a local drive that will provide items from home for overseas soldiers this Christmas.

The Stockings for Soldiers collection drive runs through Wednesday. All kinds of comfort items are being collected.

Food item examples include hard candy, gummy bears, chewing gum, beef jerky, cups of soup, trail mix, granola bars, nuts, canned fruit or tuna, hot drink mixes and tea.

Foods that are not accepted are those that would not travel well, such as soft things, chocolate, homemade or those items that melt easily. Glass containers also are not allowed.

Luke Ballengee, Jaycees Stockings for Soldiers Chairman, said they’ve pretty much received their limit on Ramen noodles, but would always accept more.

Now, they’d really like to see donations of compact discs and DVD’s, cards and dice.

“The most requested items are crew socks, foot powder and baby wipes,” Ballengee said. “Those are the top three.”

Other items suggested are Beanie Babies, word and number game books, batteries, dominoes, Uno, stationery, pens, toys for children under age 3, magazines from within the last year, international phone cards, disposable cameras, hand and foot warmers, lip balm, body lotion, razors and manicure sets.

Christmas cards with a personal greeting also are suggested.

Hardback books are not allowed.

Ballengee said most any non-perishable item can be sent, but individual sizes are preferred.

The donations can be dropped off at the Downtown Danville, Inc. office, 149 N. Vermilion or at WITY, 399 Spelter Ave. in Tilton.

The group will also have a booth set up at the Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival today through Monday near the souvenir stand.

Once items from our area are collected, they will be taken with Danville Jaycees members to their general assembly meeting next weekend.

Donations will then be transferred to the organization’s service center in Springfield, compiled and then sent overseas closer to Christmas.

“The whole state is coming together,” Ballengee said.

For those who prefer to make a monetary donation to the cause, contributions can be sent to the Jaycees at P.O. Box 1555, Danville, IL, 61832.

Ballengee said the cause is one close to him and the organization as a whole.

“It’s important to me because I’ve had numerous family members serve overseas and to have something from home means something to them,” Ballengee said.

“Anything that reminds them of home brightens their day.”

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