Iowa GOP to Send Care Packages to Iowa Soldiers

DES MOINES – Iowa GOP Chairman Matt Strawn today announced the Party’s 10 statewide Victory Centers will remember the Sept. 11 attacks and observe the anniversary by collecting care package items for Iowa’s National Guard members. Volunteers will assemble the packages this Saturday, Sept. 11.

“It is the least Iowa Republicans can do in appreciation for service to our nation,” said Strawn, noting that the nearly 3,000 Iowans deployed to Afghanistan represents the largest deployment of the Iowa National Guard since World War II. “I hope many of our volunteers will join me for this worthwhile effort at one of our Victory Centers this Saturday.”

Strawn said the packages will go to members of the Iowa National Guard 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, 34^th Infantry Division. The Guard members are currently training in the United States and will be deployed to Afghanistan. In addition to supplies, each box will contain absentee ballot request forms for active duty military members.

Below is a list of needed items:

• Microwave popcorn
• Ramen noodles
• Macaroni & cheese
• Cereal bars
• Microwave pasta
• Hot cocoa mix
• Soup mix
• Candy & cookies
• Koozies
• Beef jerky
• Microwaveable plates & bowls
• DVDs
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Ink pens
• Word puzzle books
• Paperback books
• Poker chips
• Board games
• Febreeze
• Sewing kits
• Wet wipes
• Shoe laces
• Underwear
• Razors
• Foot powder
• Icy/hot patches
• Hand warmers

People can drop off supplies this week between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at any Victory Center:

• Ames: 413 Northwestern Ave., Suite 101
• Cedar Falls: 4807 University Ave., Suite 201
• Coralville: 107 5^th St.
• Council Bluffs: 501 5^th Ave.
• Davenport: 311 W. Kimberly Rd.
• Marion: 500 Marion Blvd.
• Mason City: 1415 4^th St. SW
• Ottumwa: 219 East Main
• Sioux City: 514 Nebraska St.
• Urbandale: 3590 109^th St.