The Wyandot County American Red Cross is joining other Red Cross Chapters throughout the nation to send care packages to active military personnel deployed in "Operation Enduring Freedom" and other hostile areas throughout the world. According to the Red Cross, sending these care packages is a way the community can let the troops know that the people back home are thinking of them and care about them.

Anyone who knows of a Wyandot County resident who has been activated and deployed out of the U.S. to serve during this time should contact the Wyandot County Red Cross or Sharon Gill with the name and address so they can receive a personal care package.

The Red Cross is collecting comfort and hygiene supplies, small games, snacks, and other treats. Members of the community are asked to help support the troops by donating items for the care packages. Items needed include individually wrapped pieces of hard candy, pre-packaged cookies, microwave popcorn, kool-aid and other drink mixes, blank greeting cards, patriotic decorations, small pencil sharpeners, batteries, wrap-around sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, foot powder, toiletry items, small board games and playing cards, recent paperback books, puzzle books, videos, DVDs, CDs, or cassettes. Money can be donated for postage, make checks out to The American Red Cross with "postage for troops" written on the memo line.

Items or money donations can be dropped off at the Wyandot County Red Cross, 206 South Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 2 pm. You can contact Sharon Gill, Armed Forces Emergency Services Volunteer, at 419-396-6581 for other ways to get items to the Wyandot County Red Cross.

Businesses and organizations are encouraged to hold their own collection drives. Packing day for the shipment will be July 9 at the Red Cross office. Volunteers are welcome to help, contact the Red Cross at 419-294-1935 or Sharon Gill at 419-396-6581.