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USO collects items for soldiers

HOWLAND — Volunteers at the United Service Organizations of Northern Ohio Distribution Center are already getting items ready to send to military service personnel overseas for the holidays.

Members of the local sewing guild from Howland donated large holiday stockings that will be filled with health and hygiene items and snacks for the troops.

Marilyn Cosier, with the local chapter of the American Sewing Guild, said the guild members made more than 100 stockings and delivered them to the center.

“We wanted to make sure those serving our country receive them for the holidays,” she said.

Becky Andres, lead volunteer at the center, said the stockings will be an extra surprise for the servicemen and servicewomen.

Mary Louise Anspach and Judy Shortreed, center volunteers, said they are amazed at the generosity of the public who donate both money and materials.

The USO center, located at 160 Clifton Ave. NE, is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. There is also a collection site at the McDonald community center off Ohio Avenue.

Andres said monetary donations help cover postage and shipping costs.

Shortreed said items that will be sent include socks, books, deodorant, cologne, snacks, nonperishable items, shampoo, sunscreen, crackers and cookies, and travel sizes of various items. Aerosol sprays will not be accepted.

“Each service person gets their own box with boxes geared to men and women,” she said.

“The soldiers are always excited to receive their own boxes,” Shortreed said.

Andres said items are collected at the site and shipped year round. Volunteers said the period from early fall to Christmas will be very busy. She said she has 12 volunteers, but others are welcome to help pack nonperishable and hygiene items.

Volunteers said it is important service people get messages and items from their families and others at home showing they support them.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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