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Care package goodies needed for Broncos in military

Oct. 18, 2007

KALAMAZOO--Contributions are being sought to stock another round of care packages that Western Michigan University will be sending in November to its deployed students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

The volunteer committee that has formed to keep the packages flowing is asking that items be donated by Friday, Nov. 9.

"We're encouraging offices, groups and individuals to assume responsibility for collecting a particular item or items," says committee member Gerry Schma, a University advocate with WMU's Advocacy Office for Transfer Students and Military Affairs. "Our goal is to lock in enough supplies so that 35 care packages can be shipped four times this academic year."

Schma notes that two of the care packages will be going to female military. Suggested items people can sign up to provide include:

Foods and snacks--macaroni and cheese, SpaghettiOs, beef jerky, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, peanuts, Pop Tarts, cookies, candy (non-melting), Pringles, 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--phone cards (Army, Air Force Exchange Service, AAFES, cards preferred), AA and AAA batteries, notepads, baggies (all sizes) bandanas, flip flops, and shoe laces (long).

"Since the next mailing will be sent for Christmas, it would be wonderful to receive some nice WMU hats and shirts, size L or XL," says Schma, adding that it is always OK to donate a single item like this.

Committee members will box up the materials received, while the Registrar's Office will store them as well as pay for their mailing.

Those wishing to help out with the care package initiative are asked to let the committee know what items they will be donating. This information may be e-mailed to the advocacy office at www.wmich.edu/advocacy. Once collected, the items should be turned over to Brenda Hamlyn in the Registrar's Office on the third floor of the Seibert Administration Building.

To ensure that every deployed 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.

In addition to Schma and Hamlyn, the care package committee is composed of Sandra Williams in the Division of Student Affairs, Sheryl Todd in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Paul McNellis in the physical plant's landscape services unit, Gail McNellis in the College of Fine Arts, Chris Obreiter in the Department of Military Science, Russ Northey in the physical plant, and Judy Northey in Dining Services.

For more information call Eric McConnell in the advocacy office at (269) 387-0740.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
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Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
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