The collection of stockings for the troops begins | News, Sports, Vacancies

From Mirror staff reports

BELLWOOD – U.S. Department of Military Families Inc. launched its 14th annual Stockings for the Troops project to send stockings to military personnel.

Men and women of all branches of our Armed Forces will spend this Christmas holiday on business. Many of them will be spending their first holiday away from their homes and families. These stockings are a great way to remind them that they are not forgotten and that they are truly appreciated.

“If you have a loved one for Christmas this year, we would love to send them stockings to share with their chapter,” said Tracy Ciambotti, President and Director.

Two drop-off locations were added this year, bringing the total to nine in Altoona, Bellwood and Tyrone. Items will be collected throughout November.

Items needed include: individually wrapped Twizzlers, lipsticks, toothbrushes and small toothpaste, hot chocolate and oatmeal packets, ramen noodles, snack bars and food bars, peanut butter or cheese crackers, individually wrapped cookies, Slim Jims and beef jerky, selected drink mixes. for water bottles, small packets of trail mix, nuts, pretzels, fruit or other snacks, decks of cards or small card games, and Christmas cards (homemade or purchased) with a personal message. Donations must be received by November 30th.

Drop off locations include:

– Altoona: DeGol Organization, 3229 Pleasant Valley Blvd.; ARC Federal Credit Union, 1919 Seventh Ave. or 419 N. Seventh St.; M&T Bank, 301 Plank Road.

– Bellwood: Bellwood-Antis Public Library, 526 Main St.; Mayhew Garage, 601 Main St.; Hope Center, 421 Main St.

– Tyrone: Poppy’s Market, 1658 Columbia Ave.; Kelly Wike State Farm Office, 1203 Pennsylvania Avenue; and Tyrone Elks, 5496 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.

For more information, contact Ciambotti at 814-880-7206 or email [email protected].