STONEHAM – Packing and shipping will begin Oct. 24 for the 600 big Christmas stockings to be sent to members of the 133rd Engineering Battalion serving in Iraq. Sponsors of the program, the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, are looking especially for individual packets, or trial-size and travel-size products. Batteries are always a sure bet.

Here’s a list of preferred items:

Cookies and crackers (individual packages), Cup-a-Soup, dried fruits and nuts, Goldfish, granola bars, gum/bubble gum, hard candy and candy canes, instant hot cereals, microwave popcorn, Pop-Tarts, and snack mix (individual packages).

Also, Cider mix, cocoa (individual packets), coffee creamer, pre-sweetened drink mix, tea bags, comic books, crossword and puzzle books, travel games, Frisbees, Nerf footballs, feminine products, hair items (elastics, barrettes), aspirin and antacids and batteries.

Also appreciated are lip balm, dental floss, disposable razors, eye drops, shampoo, powder, other toiletries; phone cards, stationery, disposable cameras, Zip-Lock bags and bug repellent.

The last pickup day will be Oct. 23 at area drop-off sites, which include the L.F. Pike & Son clothing store in Norway, Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, Rumford Hospital and the Rumford Veterans Clinic in Rumford, the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn, Curves in Bridgton, Paris Road Salon in Hebron, Brooks Brothers Hardware in Bethel and Port to Port Imports in Rumford.

Money donations are needed to pay for the shipping of the stockings. It will cost about $1,600 to ship between 60 and 75 boxes at $25 a box. Money donations can be made to the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, or DUVCW, c/o Joyce Gouin, 6 Maple St., Norway, ME 04268.

More information may be obtained by calling Leslie Dean during the day at 743-6561.