OPERATION HOLIDAY CHEER IS SEEKING MILITARY FAMILIES REQUESTING PACKAGES, DONORS OF GIFTS TO TROOPS

Last month, Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty kicked off the 5th annual Operation Holiday Cheer, which over the years has assembled and delivered nearly 4500 care packages to deployed Rhode Islanders overseas. In addition to the Lt. Governor, other 2006 partners include the Rhode Island National Guard; the American Red Cross of Rhode Island, the U.S. Postal Service, Ocean State Job Lot, Dunkin' Donuts, Del's Lemonade, Bank of America, National Grid, and many others.

Operation Holiday Cheer is seeking families who would like to request a package to be sent to their loved ones who are deployed overseas. These family members can request a package via the Operation Holiday Cheer website at http://www.ltgov.ri.gov/ .

We would also like to remind people that they still have over a week to donate items to be included in the packages to our soldiers. Rhode Islanders who would like to contribute to this great cause can bring their items to Operation Holiday Cheer's drop-off site at the Mounted Command Armory at 1051 North Main Street in Providence between 9a.m. and 2p.m. on Saturday October 21st. The following items are the only items allowed to be included in the packages due to regulations and shipping constraints.

1. Letters and cards from schoolchildren
2. Music CDs / DVDs/ PC Games on CD
3. Crystal light powdered drink mix
4. Pringles
5. Beef Jerky
6. Slim Jims
7. Non-Dairy Powder Creamer / Coffee filters
8. Feminine hygiene items (tampons, napkins)
9. Foot powder (not scented)
10. Body powder (not scented)
11. Car fresheners (hanging only)
12. AT&T international calling cards
13. Individually wrapped hard candy
14. Local sports team paraphernalia (Red Sox, PawSox, Patriots etc)
15. Small desk size Rhode Island flags
16. NO Aerosol items

Anyone with questions can contact Rele Abiade of the Lt. Governor's Office at 401-222-3844 or abiade99@gmail.com.