USO Care Packages are Needed for Troops Overseas

Looking for a way to send a little holiday cheer to troops serving overseas?

State Rep. Chris Nybo (R-41st, Elmhurst) is collecting items to be donated to the USO and mailed to soldiers.

Residents are asked to bring their USO Care Packages to Nybo’s district office at 432 Eisenhower Lane North in Lombard. Collection will continue from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Dec. 1.

“I want to invite all area residents to help us spread some holiday cheer to our troops who won't be with their families this holiday season,” Nybo said. “Together, we can let them know that we are very proud of them and overwhelmingly grateful for their service to our country."

Some of the most requested items from military men and women include:

• Chicago sports team merchandise: hats, T-shirts, banners, etc.
• Sporting equipment: footballs, soccer balls, baseball equipment, outdoor games, etc.
• Board games: Monopoly, checkers, chess, Uno, dominoes, dice, playing cards, etc.
• Snacks: beef jerky, ramen noodle cups, macaroni and cheese cups, mixed nuts, hard candy, individual water flavor packets, ready-to-eat tuna and chicken salad kits, single serving boxes of cold cereal, cookies, crackers, gum, etc. (No chocolate because it melts)
• Health and comfort: baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, sun block, lip balm, deodorant, hand and foot warmers, soaps, lotions, luffas, etc.
• Magazines: new and current Sports Illustrated, Time, Cosmopolitan, People, newspapers, etc.
• Books and DVDs, recently released
• Electronics: computer flash drives, headsets, hand-held electronic games, etc.
• International phone cards
• Financial donations to cover shipping costs
• Most importantly, cards and letters of support

For more information, call Nybo's office at (630) 519-3652 or e-mail chris@chrisnybo.org.