Once again, Assemblyman Will Barclay will collect items to send to active military troops. This year, Barclay will work with Assemblyman Bob Oaks’ office and other area lawmakers throughout Central New York to see that troops overseas receive items from home.

“We often hear back from service members who are appreciative of the packages they receive from back home. These small items all add up and they remind them that their country cares and wishes them well in their work. It’s one way to let them know we’re hoping for a safe return and to simply say ‘Thank you’ for all you do,” said Barclay.

The following is a list of items needed for the troops:

• Handmade items, cards, cards from children, pictures from children.
• Candy, individual packages of cookies/crackers, tuna and chicken kits, DVDs, CDs, puzzle books, writing paper, phone cards (AT&T works best), disposable cameras, gum.
• Travel-sized hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, baby wipes, shaving items, feminine products, nail clippers, candles, lip balm and eye drops.
• Soups and hot drinks such as tea, cocoa, instant coffee.
• Power bars, granola bars, dried fruit, slim jims, beef jerky, instant soup, individual cocoa packets, powdered Gatorade, Kool-aid, individual packets of oatmeal cereal.

The item drive will be held through December 12. Items can be brought to Assemblyman Barclay’s office at 200 North Second St., Fulton. For questions, call Assemblyman Barclay’s office at 315-598-5185.