The Lake Erie NY Chapter 4 Blue Star Mothers is seeking donations for its annual Christmas Care Package Drive. The drive is to help bring holiday cheer to the many service men and women who will be away from their homes and families during Christmas. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the drive to demonstrate their continued support for our service men and women.

Individuals can help out in a variety of ways including: Donating suggested food, hygiene products, clothing or other items to include in the care packages; Making a monetary donation to go towards the postage for mailing the care packages; Submitting hand-written notes or cards to include in the care packages; Sharing the names and addresses of deployed service men and women with the Blue Star Mothers so they receive a care package this holiday season; or joining the Blue Star Mothers on Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. at the Fluvanna Community Church, 3363 Fluvanna Avenue Ext. in Jamestown, to pack up the care packages and prepare them for mailing.

Some of the items the Blue Star Mothers are looking for are: Food and Drinks:  Just-add-water individual serving sizes instant hot cereals, cereal cups, breakfast/cereal bars, protein bars, granola bars, instant individual soup mixes, hot chocolate, spiced cider, tea bags (individually wrapped), ground coffee, tuna/chicken box with crackers, beef jerky, peanut butter, snacks (individually wrapped packages), crackers, mints, gum, hard candy, nuts, sunflower seeds, microwave popcorn, Pop Tarts, dried fruit, fruit snacks, trail mixes, pop-top canned fruit (no plastic), and ready-to-eat chili, pasta, or soup in pouch/pop-top lid. Hygiene Products: Personal items in travel size, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lip balm, dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, eye drops, liquid body soap, shaving lotion, shampoo, deodorant, body lotion, Q-Tips, disposable razors, foot/baby powder, pocket tissues, Tylenol, and bug spray. Clothing: White calf-length athletic socks with no logo, white cotton crew neck T-shirts (size medium or larger), and flip flops. Other Items: Batteries (preferably AA), miscellaneous games, crossword puzzles, word search, Sudoku, playing cards, iTunes gift cards, Ziploc brand bags (all sizes), and current paperback books and magazines.

Any of these donated items can be dropped off at one of the over 30 collection boxes across Chautauqua County. Some of the collection box locations are: Bemus Point United Methodist Church, 4953 Bemus-Ellery Rd. in Bemus Point; Starbucks, 944 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown; Hazeltine Public Library, 891 Busti Sugar Grove Rd. in Jamestown; Northwest Arena, 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown; and Lake Shore Savings Bank, all locations.

All donations must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 30. Checks can be made out to Blue Star Mothers NY 4 and mailed to: Blue Star Mothers NY 4, P.O. Box 22, Jamestown, NY 14702.

For more information please email the Blue Star Mothers, call Blue Star Mothers President Susan Rowley at 499-6897, or email or call Vice President Kathy Collver at 450-5593.