AUBURN – Edward Little High School, Washburn and East Auburn Elementary schools were approached by Boy Scout Troop 153, sponsored by New Auburn American Legion Post 153, requesting items for service men and women in Iraq. The troop said response was overwhelming.

Christmas cards were made at Edward Little High School to be signed and shipped in a box to Iraq to be given out specially to veterans who do not receive mail.

As Christmas approaches, the Boy Scouts are also preparing more than 200 handmade gifts to be given to veterans at Togus on Christmas morning.

Department of Maine American Legion Americanism Officer Edith Lemieux, also a commissioner with Scout Troop 153, her husband, Raymond Lemieux, Marine Corps League Central Maine Detachment commandant, and the Silver Tones provided an afternoon of entertainment at Togus recently.

Nursing homes are also on the agenda for the Scouts, who will carol and pass out handmade gifts.

Special visits will be made to veterans by New Auburn Legion 153 First Vice Commander Raymond Lemieux and the Scouts to hand them a small flag saying “thank you.”