China Grove police officers will host a toy drop-off for Toys for Tots starting at 8 a.m. Dec. 10 at Garyís Barbecue on U.S. 29.
Theyíll also collect items for care packages to be airlifted to soldiers deployed in Afghanistan. Two officers at the China Grove Police Department have sons who are deployed and a third officer has a brother who is deployed.
Local businesses are offering financial assistance but are asking the public to also donate items for the packages.
Hereís a list provided by the China Grove Police Department of items suggested for the care packages:
Beef jerky, instant soups, hard candy, chocolate candy, Slim Jims, cookies, crackers, Chex Mix, nuts, trail mix, chips, Doritos, salsa, gum, microwave popcorn, breath mints, dried fruit, canned fruit (pop-tops), granola or cereal bars, dry ceral, tuna packs, chicken packs, spices, condiments, summer sausage, snack cakes, easy mac and cheese, sunflower seeds, instant coffee, hot chocolate mix, tea bags, Gatorade powder, Kool Aid (with sugar), pudding cups, instant oatmeal and grits, Ragu Express, Ramen noodles
Toiletries, personal items, sunscreen, chapstick, insect repellant, eyedrops, cough and cold medicine, Advil or Tylenol, toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant bar soap, gel innersols, cotton balls, Q-tips, contact lens cleaner, hand sanitizer, aftershave lotion, cologne, brushes and combs, hair spray and gel, hair bands and clips, nail clippers, nail files, body and foot powder, body lotion, Kleenex, nasal spray, antacids, socks, disposable razors, shave gel and foam, antibacterial wipes, Clorox wipes, plain black sunglasses, sand scarf, Nerf balls, electronic games, playing cards, AT&T international phone cards, books, magazines, envelopes and paper, sewing kits, small mirrors, wash cloths, small flashlights and booklights, disposable cameras, Ziploc bags, word puzzles and board games.
Items for both drives can also be taken directly to the Police Department at 205 Swink St.
Donations to Toys for Tots must be new and unwrapped.