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Donations sought for deployed BroncosFeb. 12, 2007 KALAMAZOO--Contributions are being sought to stock another round of care packages that Western Michigan University will be sending next month to its deployed faculty, staff, students and alumni. The volunteer committee that was formed to keep the packages flowing is asking that items be sent to the WMU Registrar's Office in care of Brenda Hamlyn by Monday, Feb. 26. Highly desired items Health and hygiene items--wet wipes, hand lotion and sanitizer, sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher), Chap Stick, lip balm with sunscreen (in squeeze tubes), shampoo, and shaving cream (in squeeze tubes). Food and snacks--macaroni and cheese, SpaghettiOs, beef jerky, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, peanuts, Pop Tarts, cookies, candy (non-melting), chips, gum (especially gum in blister packs), mints, hot chocolate packets, tea, and Gatorade powder. Entertainment and WMU items--CDs, magazines, playing cards, dice, small games, Nerf footballs, WMU T-shirts, Western Herald newspapers, and University-related banners suitable for hanging on tents or in barracks. Miscellaneous items--AA and AAA batteries, pens and pencils, notepads, baggies (all sizes), paper towels, bandannas, flip flops, and shoe laces. Cash contributions are not being solicited. Those wishing to help with the care package initiative are asked to let the committee know what items they will be donating. This information may be sent to Gerry Schma at geraldine.schma@wmich.edu, Brenda Hamlyn at brenda.hamlyn@wmich.edu or Sandra Williams at sandra.1.williams@wmich.edu. To ensure that every deployed WMU soldier and marine is added to the care package list, those being deployed are asked to notify the Registrar's Office as soon as they receive their orders. Committee members Bronco care package committee members are WMU staffers Gerry Schma, Extended University Programs; Brenda Hamlyn, Registrar's Office; Becky Spanjer in Extended University Programs, Sheryl Todd, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Paul MacNellis, Landscape Services; Gail MacNellis, College of Fine Arts; and Sandra Williams, Division of Student Affairs. "We're encouraging WMU offices, groups and individuals to assume responsibility for collecting a particular item or items," says Schma. "Our goal is to lock in enough supplies so that 35 care packages can be shipped four times this year." Schma says that five of the care packages will be going to female soldiers and marines and that donations need to be received a few weeks before the scheduled care package shipping dates. The shipping schedule for 2007, and the holidays or events they correspond to, are March 6, Easter; June 5, Independence Day; Aug. 7, back to school; and Nov. 6, Christmas. Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu WMU News |
