Supplies for soldiers sought

Freedom New Mexico

City Councilor Dianne Parker is collecting personal supplies for soldiers deployed to Afghanistan.

Parker said she’ll take donations at her office at Portales Municipal Schools Administration Building until 3 p.m. Nov. 12. Donors can also call her at 356-7000, extension 1006, to have items picked up.

Parker’s nephew, A.J. Castinado of California, is part of a unit deployed to Afghanistan two weeks ago, and the personal supplies, mainly hygiene items, that were being shipped ahead were stolen last month, according to an e-mail from Castinado’s parents.

Because such shipments only come every four to six weeks, the soldiers are in desperate need of basic supplies, according to the e-mail.

“For what these soldiers sacrifice for our freedom, it’s the least that we can do to help!” Parker said in an e-mail.

Parker is accepting (regular-sized containers, not travel size):

• shampoo and conditioner

• body wash and soap

• wash cloths

• toothpaste

• tooth brushes

• brushes and combs

• feminine hygiene products

• deodorant

• contact solution

• laundry soap

• dryer sheets

• sheets

• pillows

• pillow cases

• baby wipes

• pens, paper and envelopes

• batteries

• shaving cream

• razors and replacement blades

• ibuprofen and acetaminophen

• lotion

• blankets

• military-issue towels

• sunscreen

• foot-care products

• cotton swabs

• lip balm

• gum

• mouthwash

• hand sanitizer

• Gold Bond

• books and magazines