STATE COLLEGE – Officials at the Centre Communities Chapter of the American Red Cross have announced the collection of personal comfort and care items to be placed in tote bags and gifted to local veterans living in nursing homes and senior care centers in the area.
The public is invited and encouraged to take items from the list below to collection points located around the area. The list includes specific items, which have been pre-approved by staff at the care centers and nursing homes where they will be distributed.
It is important to adhere to the items on the list for health and safety reasons. All items must be sealed in their original packaging, be brand new and full size, not small giveaway or trial size items. Items will be collected through Sept. 30.
Items may be donated at the following locations:
YMCA
125 W. High St.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
YMCA
110 W. High St.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
YMCA Moshannon Valley
113 N. 14th St.
Phillipsburg, PA 16866
YMCA
677 W. Whitehall Rd.
State College, PA 16801
Christian Science Reading Room & Bookstore
218 S. Allen St.
State College, PA 16801
Centre County Library & Historical Museum
200 N. Allegheny St.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Holt Memorial Library
17 N. Front St.
Philipsburg, PA 16866
Centre County Veterans Affairs Office
Willowbank Building
420 Holmes St., Room 333
Bellefonte, PA 16823
American Red Cross
Centre Communities Chapter
205 E. Beaver Ave., Suite 203
State College, PA 16801
The list of acceptable items to donate is as follows:
? Socks
? Toothbrush
? Toothpaste
? Deodorant
? Aftershave
? Soap/body wash
? Shampoo
? Comb/brush
? Body powder
? Body lotion
? Fleece throw
? Facial Tissues
? Hand wipes
? Deck of cards
? Notebook
? Pens/pencils
? Pencil sharpener
? Crossword puzzle (large print)
? New magazines
? Prepackaged/non-sugar snacks
? Personal note of thanks to the veteran who will receive the tote
Edna Reinard, disaster program specialist for the area says, “Those veterans living in nursing homes are truly grateful for the totes and for the visit from our volunteers who bring them into their residence.”
Anyone who wishes to donate items or their time to assist with sorting, packing and delivering the totes, may call the office at 814-237-3162, Extension 1606.
“Veteran’s Day 2014 is celebrated on Nov. 11 and coincides well with this program” says Robert Callender, Regional Service to the Armed Forces specialist.
“This is the perfect time to show our gratitude to all veterans, of great importance is the note to the veteran who will receive the tote. This is a crucial aspect of the program, as it serves to remind veterans they have not been forgotten and that we are grateful to them for their service.”