PAW PAW, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Southwest MI Chapter #179 of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. will be holding their annual Shop for the Troops Day this Saturday, October 16 at Family Fare in Paw Paw.
The donation event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
An additional event will be held on Saturday, November 6 at Save-A- Lot in Paw Paw from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
During the event, the Blue Star Mothers and friends will greet participants at the door and offer a small handout.
One side of the handout contains a mini version of the “Soldier’s Wish List,” and the other side has the information about their Operation Holiday Cheer, the annual event where all donated items are packed up to send to deployed service members.
Operation Holiday Cheer will be held on Saturday, November 13 at the Lions Club in Paw Paw starting at 1:00 p.m.
Blue Star Mothers are also looking for any address of local residents who are currently deployed. Participants can send the exact address, along with name and phone number, to:
Blue Star Mothers, P.O. Box 406, Paw Paw, MI 49079.
Donations to cover the expense of shipping are also welcome.
Drop boxes have also been placed at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church, Bangor United Methodist Church, Gobles United Methodist Church, Lawton Evangelical Church, the Dollar General stores in Paw Paw and Lawton, Yoga Life in St. Joseph, and Inspirations Hair Salon in Gobles.
Participants who need something picked up can contact Betty Shafer at 269-207-7776 or Paula Steffey at 269-377-9341 and leave a message.
The following items are needed for the care packages. Individually packaged items are best for shipping to service members.
Participants are reminded that glass containers, items with aerosol and items with alcohol in them will not be accepted, as they cannot be shipped.]
- Beef Jerky
- Tuna or Chicken in a pouch
- Dinty Moore beef stew
- Ramen noodles
- Peanut butter / Jiff to Go packs
- Nutella
- Jelly squeezable bottles
- Breakfast bars (granola bars, protein bars)
- Oatmeal instant packets
- Oreos
- Cheese & Crackers
- Ritz crackers – small box
- Microwave popcorn packages
- Nuts / Trail Mix (single servings)
- Twizzlers
- Hard candy / mints / gum
- Single serve drink mixes (Kool-Aid/Crystal light)
- Instant coffee
- Socks – crew or tube – black or white
- Pens / Paper / Envelopes
- Activity Books
- Toothbrushes / Toothpaste
- Razors – disposable
- Shaving cream/gel (non-aerosol)
- Hand and body lotion – unscented
- Deodorant (stick)
- Body wash (no bar soap)
- Shampoo
- Chapstick
- Foot powder
- Baby Wipes (with no alcohol)
- Feminine Products
- Eye drops
- Nail clippers
- Playing cards
- Duct tape
- Ibuprofen
For more information on Blue Star Mothers, go to www.bluestarmothers.org or visit the Blue Star Mothers of Southwest MI #179 Facebook page.
Blue Star Mother’s flyer 2021. (Photo via Blue Star Mothers of Southwest Michigan # 179 Facebook page).
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