Businesses team up for troop packages

It's that time of year once again for generosity and concern for America's troops abroad.

Ginger Easley with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates has joined forces with Michelle Ventura of Lincare, Leslie DuPont of Cafe Girasole, Tracy Campbell of Clear Creek Golf Course and others to send packages off to troops deployed overseas.

Last year, a large Carson Valley effort was made to support Easley's brother, Lt. Cmdr. Greg Mendenhall on the USS Nimitz. Mendenhall returned stateside in March and is now stationed at the Pentagon for the next two years.

However, Easley's cousin, Doug Morrow, is a member of the Strike Fighter Squadron Two (VFA-2), which is based out of Naval Air Station, Lemoore, Calif., and is currently onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) serving in the northern Arabian Sea.

Additionally acquainted with U.S. Army Cpl. Travis Wilson, based out of El Paso, Texas, Easley and the group's efforts will be sent off to the two squadrons.

Ideal items for donation include jerky, pistachios, sunflower seeds, trail mix, iTunes cards, current magazines, protein bars (Zone bars), sugarfree gum, Via packs from Starbucks and handwarmers. Any money donated will help offset the cost of mailing the packages.

There are three collection spots to choose from: Cafe Girasole in downtown Gardnerville, Lincare in the Minden Village, and RE/MAX Realty Affiliates in Gardnerville. For those wishing to donate, items need to be dropped off by Dec. 10, as the packages will mailed off the next day.

"We thank you and know that the men and women receiving these little touches from home will be forever grateful," Easley said.