Date:
10/14/2009
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 575.562.2253
Reporter: Jessica Eden
PORTALES—In 2008, Nikki Howard, executive secretary in Academic Affairs at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, was sending a care package to her son in Iraq. After Renee Neely and Belinda Wall of Academic Services inquired if boxes could be sent for others, a project was born.
The first box was sent on July 3, 2008. Since then 17 boxes have been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. The campaign targets any military members in Iraq or Afghanistan affiliated with ENMU, including students, alumni or relatives of students or employees.
“We are trying to get the word out that boxes for military are still being shipped. This is a way to show our appreciation for our service members, and let them know that they haven’t been forgotten,” said Howard, whose son served in Iraq.
Some of the items sought include: AA and AAA batteries, toothbrushes, dental floss, razors, toothpaste, shaving cream, foot powder, gum, hard candy used as filler , trail mix, Sudoku books, magazines, books, hacky sacks, stationary (don’t worry about stamps, military get free postage), yoyos, cool collars and brain savers (to stay cool in the scalding temperatures of 122-plus degrees; Howard can explain how to make), etc.
To have a box sent to an ENMU-affiliated military member in Iraq or Afghanistan, contact Howard with the name, unit mailing address and unit commander. The shipping cost of $11.95 per box is being donated by ENMU administrators.
Donation boxes can be found on campus at Golden Library, the Physical Plant, Human Resources, Academic Affairs and the University Computer Center.
For more information, contact Howard at 575.562.2312, e-mail nikki.howard@enmu.edu or stop by Room 204 of the Administration Building.