Local Firehouses Collecting Items for Military Care Packages

In a partnership with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, firehouses throughout the five boroughs will collect items to include in care packages for the approximately 8,000 City residents currently serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces.

The Supporting Our Troops initiative will run from July 13 through August 21. Other drop off locations include NYPD precincts, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and City offices.

Organizers hope enough items will be donated so care packages can be sent to all New Yorkers currently serving overseas.

Some of the most requested items include:

Consumables: gum, candy, cough drops, ibuprofen (no aspirin and single-use sealed packets only), non-perishable food items, pre-packaged cookies*, crackers, powder drink mixes (in boxes of individual packets), instant coffee or tea (individual packets), microwaveable soups (non-perishable, single-serving), pasta, popcorn, sealed nuts and dried fruits, granola and protein bars.

Hygiene: soft toilet paper, tissues (individual soft packs), toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, saline eye drops, body cream (travel size), lip balm stick, razors, bug repellant wipes, shaving cream (travel size), shampoo (travel size), conditioner (travel size), feminine products, baby wipes or alcohol wipes, talcum or cornstarch powder (travel size), foot powder (travel size), cotton swabs, bar soap and deodorant.

Entertainment Items: gift cards for music or movies redeemable online, movie DVDs, audio books, puzzles or Sudoku, magazines and newspapers.

Miscellaneous: men and women’s New York City sports team paraphernalia, air fresheners (non-aerosol) and hand and foot warmers.

* Please note: due to health and safety concerns, anything home-cooked (including homemade cookies) is not permitted. Canned goods donations and alcoholic beverages also are prohibited.

For more information about what you can drop off, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov.