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The war in Iraq may be winding down, but for the soldiers who are still there, the comforts of home are still thousands of miles away.
Feeling an urge to "give something back to the community," an Orangeburg woman organized a care package relief effort for local soldiers involved in the Iraq conflict. What started as a simple desire to send local troops convenience items and toiletries has ballooned into a movement of caring.
Ally McLean, a native New Yorker, said the idea came to her as she was watching news coverage during the early hours of the war. Newscasters have been urging citizens to mail troops a range of items to make them feel more comfortable in the harsh desert battlefields.
"I've lived here five years and up until this time I haven't done anything for this community," McLean said. "It was time for me to give back to the community my children call home."
Though always a patriot, McLean said the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, drove home the need to show support of country.
A year after the attacks, she copied the names of all those who died at the World Trade Center and placed them on more than 70 red, white and blue balloons, which she released from her home in a private ceremony of remembrance.
The day the U.S. attacked Iraq, she immediately placed a yellow ribbon outside her home and bought ribbons for her friends to display.
And when she discovered her daughter's kindergarten teacher at St. Andrews Methodist Church, Barbara Wiker, had a son fighting in Iraq, she knew it was time to do something special.
Wiker's son, Andrew, is an Army captain. "I said 'How about if I send stuff to him?'" McLean said. "A few other mothers overheard and the project blossomed."
After sending home letters to students' parents on April 14 urging them to donate items for troops, St. Andrews became an official drop-off point for supplies. Not only did McLean plan to support Wiker's son, but she has been actively seeking the names of other local troops who are stationed overseas.
Those who wish to help should donate toiletry and personal hygiene items, such as soap, combs, brushes, lip balm, sunscreen; miscellaneous items, such as decks of cards, games, books and magazines; and snacks, including cookies and candy. A full list of acceptable items accompanies this article.
So far, eight troops have been adopted and should receive boxes of care items before long. McLean said the effort will continue for "as long as it takes."
Those who know of a local soldier in the Gulf should send McLean an e-mail at jmclean@sc.rr.com. Be sure the soldier's military mailing address is precise or the items will be returned.
"I'm not going for the next Statue of Liberty model," McLean said. "I just felt like they are doing so much and I'm doing nothing. This is my way of helping."
St. Andrews' kindergarten instructor for 2-year-olds, Barbara Wiker said the project has been overwhelmingly received at the school and the students enjoy bringing items to donate. Knowing that her son will soon be receiving a care package has helped her cope with the war.
"I thought it was a wonderful idea, I had wanted to do something for the others too, besides Andy, I wanted to help everybody," Wiker said. "Everybody at the school has been very supportive of the project -- the teachers, the parents and the children. They all come up to me and say they are praying for Capt. Andy Wiker."
Capt. Wiker is a member of the 54th Engineering Battalion. Some of his duties include mine-sweeping. Since the 26-year-old soldier left Kuwait weeks ago, likely headed into Baghdad, the only communication Wiker received from him was a letter on March 17.
"I think I would have preferred him behind a desk," Wiker said. "It's been real tough. For a while I couldn't watch any news at all. It's easier now that things are easing off over there."
The project has also spread beyond St. Andrews. Local community groups, such as the Junior Service League are also getting involved. Drop boxes for care items have also been provided at Curves for Women, and The Times and Democrat, who has a staff member, Photographer Larry Hardy, stationed in Iraq.
Curves manager Emily Peterkin encourages citizens from around the region to stop by the business and donate items for the cause.
"We know now more than ever that the troops will be there a while during reconstruction," Peterkin said. "They need supplies and we'll be there for them."
Donors may drop off supplies at Curves anytime between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursdays and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Fridays. The business is also open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
A donation box for troops is also in The T&D lobby. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.
McLean says the relief effort will continue for "as long as it takes." Recalling the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, she hopes the Iraq conflict will have a positive impact on society.
"We've lost 167 [coalition] men and women so far, but if that changes the world for the better, they didn't die in vain," McLean said. "I just feel like those 3,000 [9-11] deaths won't be in vain in the end."
Would you like to help?
You may drop supplies for troops at three locations, St. Andrews Church, located at 1980 Columbia Road, Curves for Women, at 1994 St. Matthews Road, and The Times and Democrat at 1010 Broughton St.
Do you know of a local soldier that needs a care package?
E-mail Ally McLean at jmclean@sc.rr.com
'Wish list' for soldiers
Toiletries (no aerosol cans)
Baby wipes
Lip balm
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Disposable razors
Shaving cream
Hand washing gel
Medicated foot power
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Dental floss
Plastic toothbrush holders
Shampoo
Hair products for black hair
Bar soap/soap dishes
Ear swabs
Saline solution for those w/contacts
Deodorant
Lotion
Small packs of tissues
Nail clippers
Small mirrors (wrap well)
Cold water clothes detergent
Clothespins
For Female Service members (as well as above items)
Feminine hygiene products
Cream rinse
Hair spray
Make-up/waterproof mascara
Brown/black barrettes/elastic bands (no gold or silver)
Miscellaneous Items
Snacks (no chocolate, it melts), candy, gum, lollipops, chips, cookies, etc.
Paperback books - used ones are OK
Note paper/envelopes (they can mail letters free)
Pens
Sunglasses
Magazines
Crossword puzzle books
Decks of cards
Small "Nerf" softball, football etc.
White tube socks
Board/card games
Handheld games
Disposable cameras
Pre-paid global calling cards
Sewing kits
Plastic baggies
DO NOT SEND
Magazines/books with "racy" covers, e.g., Cosmo, or February issue of Sports Illustrated
Pork products
On-line editor Andrew M. Haworth can be reached at ahaworth@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5522.