Christmas gifts being collected for overseas soldiers

LIVERMORE FALLS — Donation boxes are set up at businesses in Jay and Livermore Falls to collect items for soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who cannot be home for the Christmas holiday.

Lorraine Cushing of Livermore Falls does something each year to help soldiers overseas. Her son, Aaron Richards and his wife, Ashley, are serving in the U.S. Air Force in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively. Her son graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 2003.

"There will be some people over there who won't get any gifts … . It's just our way to support our troops. It's hard being over there at Christmas. I think it is important that they know that they are supported," Cushing said.

Donations boxes and lists of items that could be donated are set up at the Jay Town Office, Otis Federal Credit Union and Jo's Hair Fashion in Jay and Food City in Livermore Falls.

Some of the items that could be donated are nonperishable food including cookies, crackers, nuts, Twizzlers, pretzels, razors, body wash, toothpaste, Swiffers, lotions, coffee, decks of cards, chocolate, Cup of Soup, jerky, gum, dried fruit, pens, paperback books, teas, cocoa and pens.

The items should be gender neutral, Cushing said.

"Our goal is to get at least 40 boxes," Cushing said.

People can also donate money that will be used to buy international phone cards, or they can donate the cards, which need to be of the international type, she said.

Soldiers would be able to use the cards over the holidays to get in touch with their families and others they love, Cushing said.

The deadline for the collection is Dec. 10.

Cushing and her friends will wrap the gifts before they are sent to her son and daughter-in-law. The couple will distribute the presents at Christmas parties to soldiers serving with them at their bases.

Otis Federal Credit Union is donating money for shipping costs.

There is also a Santa's Sleigh set up at the Credit Union on Main Street in Jay to accept donations of money.

"We appreciate the donations and support for our troops," Cushing said.

dperry@sunjournal.com