Upper St. Clair Mom Organizing Middle School Military Fundraiser

Michelle Haverlack couldn't believe how grateful her recently-deployed cousin was when she sent him a care package filled with a few little things like gum and socks.

"It was nothing, but he couldn't have been happier," she said.

That's why Haverlack has teamed up with Military Connections, Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools to collect care package items to send to the American troops deployed in Afghanistan, Kuwait and ships at sea.

"They are volunteers, it's not like there was a draft," Haverlack said. "I wanted to do something for them in return to make their day a little brighter."

Supplies can be dropped off at the office from Monday, March 26 to Friday, March 30.

Wish list items include:

• Gum or mints
• Hard candy
• Tuna in packets
• Protein bars
• Powder Gatorade singles
• Individual packs of crackers, cookies or Pringles
• Beef jerky
• Whey protein powder mix
• ChapStick
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• DVDs and CDs
• Sunglasses
• Disposable or digital cameras
• Travel size laundry detergent
• Baby wipes (to wipe sand off of skin)
• Dunkin' Donuts coffee

No opened foods, used clothing or used hygiene items will be accepted. Expiration dates on supplies should be good for six months from date of donation.

Monetary donations are also appreciated to offset shipping costs. Checks should be made payable to Military Connections.

If you can't make it to Boyce next week, you can call Haverlack at 412-831-2280 to arrange a pickup. The fundraiser will continue at sometime after spring break.

Haverlack is the mother of eighth grader Michael, sixth grader Meghan and third grader Matthew.

"This (fundraiser) is a good reminder that our troops are over there still serving. Sometimes people forget," Haverlack said.

Share your thoughts about the fundraiser in the comments below.