Campus & Community / Magazine Feature

University collects items for overseas military

Throughout November, DU will be collecting “everyday items” to send to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Lainey Hamrick, founder of Colorado Supporting Our Troops, says many troops overseas receive little or no mail throughout the year and appreciate any item that reminds them of home.

“We are able to send a little bit of Colorado comfort to troops who might be spending the cold Afghan winter in a tent or concrete building without heat or running water,” Hamrick says.

“The holidays can be extremely tough on troops. That’s why we decided to participate in this worthwhile effort to make the holidays a little brighter for the men and women who are serving our country,” says Karin Dittrick-Nathan, assistant professor in DU’s Morgridge College of Education and a volunteer organizer of the collection efforts.

Dittrick-Nathan suggests warm fleece blankets, snacks, inflatable beach balls, energy drinks, thermal heat wraps for muscle aches, hand and foot warmers, beef jerky, protein bars and trail mix. A full list of items can be found at www.cosupportingourtroops.com.

Also, holiday cards and decorations, notes, pictures and letters of encouragement are appreciated.

“Getting news from home is always welcome,” she adds.

Collection boxes are located in Ruffatto Hall suite 110 and suite 310; and the front entrance of Penrose Library. Each box weighs between 6–15 pounds and costs $13 to send. Donations can be made to cover shipping costs.

DU will take part in a packing party on the day after Thanksgiving to box up and send as many boxes as possible. For more information, visit www.cosupportingourtroops.com orcontact Karin Dittrick-Nathan.

Tags:

One Comment

Leave a Reply to Jay Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*