There is a new care package drive to help local and area soldiers serving overseas.
Staff Sergeant Stephen Nuessen currently leads the 387th Movement Control Team, a 40-soldier detachment deployed at an unspecified location overseas as part of a year-long tour — although his location was impacted by recent attacks highlighted on national newscasts recently.
The drive ends Feb. 9, and Nuessen’s wife, Alexis, a military veteran herself, can’t wait to see the final shipment headed overseas.
In less than 24 hours after the drive hit social media late Wednesday, over $500 was collected for shipping costs and a table full of snacks, puzzles and health and beauty items were gathered at Emporia Main Street. Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz is proud to be part of this effort.
Sgt. Nuessen has asked for care packages as a way to lift soldier morale. Requested items include:
*Puzzles
*Hygiene products, especially feminine products
*Coloring books
*Art supplies
*Crosswords
*Deodorant
*Shampoo and conditioner
*Lotion
*Snacks
Financial donations are also needed to ship the items overseas.
To donate items, bring your supplies to the Emporia Main Street office, 727 Commercial, during business hours through Feb. 9. People wanting to buy puzzles can get a 10-percent discount at Trox Gallery and Gifts for this effort. To contribute financially, bring cash or checks to the office or send a Venmo payment to @emporiamainstreet.
