Herald Collecting Items for Sailors Stuck at Sea

A post on a social media website caught my eye the other day. I had just hung up from speaking with Lisa Ebersole, administrative assistant at Trinity United Methodist Church in Roaring Spring, about the food pantry that members of her church decided to put together last Tuesday. Two days later, the members of the church had rounded up some shelving and some donations and made their idea a reality.

As I was collecting a few things from my computer to write an article about the new food pantry for our website, I noticed a post on a U.S. Navy parents group that I belong to.

A young female sailor had sent a note to her cousin stating that her strike group would have to remain at sea longer than expected due to the COVID-19 orders. The ship she is on had already had their deployment extended and were looking forward to coming home soon. But that was not to be. Needless to say, they were not fully prepared to be staying out at sea for as long as they have been.

Quarters are tight, to say the least, onboard a navy ship, so personal items are limited but can be replenished while in port. Unfortunately for the sailors on board this particular ship, there will be no port calls because of the COVID-19 orders, so their dwindling personal supplies can't be restocked.

This sailor asked her cousin to send what she could. Her cousin went a step further and posted her letter on-line.

When I saw the post, I thought it would be nice to send a package or two (because that's what Military Moms do). Then I thought for a second or two longer, and decided that if the folks at Trinity United Methodist could pull something together quickly, so could I.

I copied some of the sailor's requested items and a bit of her story. Then I added my own little part, posted it to a few different on-line sites and started a donation collection for some of our U.S. Sailors stuck at sea.

People are amazing

People are amazing. When I got to the office on Monday, April 27, I was surprised to find several bags and a few boxes of donated items to send. Two beautiful pictures were drawn for our sailors with warm wishes for a safe and speedy return. I've also had several people donate money to be used to buy whatever we might be short on.

I am thankful to everyone who has sent something in and for those who promised to pray for the success of this project.

Please take a moment to check your own supplies and consider donating any extras to be sent to our sailors (men and women) or pick up a few items during your next trip to the store.

Items can be dropped off at the Morrisons Cove Herald office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Just set your donation on the steps and knock. Someone will come out to get it. Or call the office to arrange for a pick-up. I will gladly pick up any donation no matter how big or small. Monetary donations are welcome and will be used to purchase anything we don't have enough of.

Items will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday May 8. The Herald will then mail care packages to as many U.S. sailors as we can.

It was brought to our attention that a few U.S. sailors are from the Cove, so we will definitely be sending something their way. Maybe we'll include a Herald so they know what's happening at home.

What is needed

The following is a listing of much needed and requested items. Remember that cards and/or letters of encouragement are always appreciated by our military men and women as well.

Thank you in advance for anything you can contribute. God bless you.

• Single-serving snacks, gum, candy, chocolate, cookies, chips, protein bars (Cliff Bars), anything with caffeine

• Ramen type foods, hot sauce, food flavor-enhancers, anything with caffeine

• Drink mixes (water bottle flavoring), coffee, tea bags, anything with caffeine

• Toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toothpaste, hair bands, deodorant/anti-perspirant, foot powder, body wipes, hand and body lotion, chapstick, feminine hygiene products, anything with caffeine

• Medicine (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, sleep aids like Z-Quil)

• Black socks (mid-calf)

• Stationery, notebooks, pens, highlighters

• Air fresheners, card games, puzzle books and anything with caffeine

Please keep in mind that these items will be mailed to individuals in small boxes via the USPS so "family size" items cannot be sent.

Please note that anything that can't be sent will be donated to Trinity United Methodist's food pantry as a thank you for being an inspiration.