Islip Town Helps Collect Donations for Troops Overseas

Islip Town officials announced they will be collecting goods to give to West Islip Cares' "Make A Soldier Smile" project.

"Even the smallest donations can have a huge impact on the morale of our troops who are serving overseas,” Supervisor Tom Croci said in a written statement. “It is important that Islip residents understand the joy they can bring to a soldier by donating the simplest goods.

Croci said that collection bins will be placed throughout the main floor of Islip Town Hall so residents can drop off donations for West Islip Cares by March 4. The goods will be packaged and sent to troops overseas.

“As a veteran who has served overseas, I cannot overstate the gratitude that our men and women in uniform will feel when they receive these care packages,” said Councilman Anthony Senft in a written statement.

West Islip Cares is the charitable arm of the West Islip Chamber of Commerce. They have posted a list of preferred donations on their website, which includes:

• Baby Wipes - packets are better than tubs
• Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
• Energy Bars (power Bar, etc.)
• Hot Sauce (Tabasco, Red Devil, etc.) - wrap glass bottle in duct tape and place in double zip-lock bags
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts
• Seasoning Salt (Lawry's, etc.)
• Atomic Fireballs / Jolly Rancher hard candy (for service member use)
• Smarties or SweetTart candies (for local children who prefer sour style candy to build relationships with community)
• Powdered Energy/Electrolyte Replacement Drink Mix (Gatorade, etc.)
• Chewing Gum
• Avon Skin So Soft - great for removing face paint and also repeated to be an effective bug repellant (the latter seems variable based on personal experience and reports)
• AA-cell Alkaline Batteries
• Personal Hygiene Gear: Disposable Razors, Toothbrush and Tooth Paste
• Eye Wash / Drops (Visine, etc.) for flushing dust and sand out of the eyes
• Zip-Lock style Plastic Storage Bags - assorted sizes, heavier freezer styles are better
• Pre-paid Phone Card so service member can call home
• Socks
• Underwear

Cash donations can be also be made and mailed to:
West Islip Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 58
West Islip, NY 11795