Fred Garmeson
The SunBird Lions Club will be assisting the “Packages from Home” organization again this year. We are requesting donations of goods which will be sent to our deployed American soldiers. We have had a great response from the SunBird residents in the past and are looking forward to your continued support of this wonderful project that helps our military.
The mission of “Packages from Home” is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world and facilitate activities that elevate the morale of all soldiers. Locally, they work with the Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs and other local outreach organizations with the “Packages for Hope” program. They provide food and hygiene products to veterans who have returned home and are having difficulty transitioning to civilian life or have become homeless. The “Bones from Home” project sends packages to our military working dogs and extends its services to retired military canines as well.
The SunBird Lions Club will have a collection box placed in the SunBird Community Center from November 1 to November 30. The donations which are acceptable to ship internationally are as follows:
Toiletries: shampoo, deodorant, body wash, baby powder, foot powder, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, soap, hand lotions, Kleenex tissues, facial wipes, hand wipes, women’s personal hygiene products (no aerosol cans)
Food Items: pretzels, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, soup, cookies in a tin, wrapped candy (no chocolate), chewing gum, coffee, tea, canned nuts, breakfast bars (no pork products)
Clothing: crew socks, men’s t-shirts (M-XL), boxer shorts, ladies cotton underwear
Entertainment: games, puzzles, decks of playing cards, Sodoku puzzle books, paperback books, travel games, boxed greeting cards for all occasions. (no tobacco products)
Military Canines: collapsible water bowls, toys, treats, dog shampoo, dog brushes and grooming items
We are looking forward to helping out our military family again this year. If you have any questions regarding this Lions Club project, please call Fred Garmeson at 480-895-9363.