Red Cross Troops Support Program Quality Of Life Program UPDATED: 5:33 p.m. CST March 24, 2003 DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Red Cross is joining efforts across the country to support our troops with a project called Quality Of Life.

Red Cross Statement:
Americans are currently faced with many uncertainties. But one thing is certain. The American public supports the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, both here and abroad. In light of nearly a century of service to the U.S. military, the American Red Cross is sponsoring a project to support U.S. military troops abroad.

For one week only, the Red Cross is requesting donated Quality of Life items from individuals, groups and businesses to help bring comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Due to necessary security measures, the military will ONLY accept public donations of articles through shipments from American Red Cross offices.

You can help by donating any of the requested items listed below. Monetary donations are also requested to help cover the costs of shipping, estimated at $1 per pound of goods.

Small or medium sized items are best. Loose letters and cards (not in envelopes) FROM YOUTH ONLY may be included with donated items. All written material will be reviewed to ensure it is appropriate and does not contain any full names or personal return addresses. Youth groups should place cards and letters in a large envelop labeled with the name and address of the group.

Quality of Life items will be collected at the American Red Cross, Central Iowa Chapter at 2116 Grand Ave. in Des Moines for ONE week beginning Monday, March 24 through Saturday, March 29.

The items listed below are the ONLY items that will be accepted. Please drop off items, or financial contributions to defray shipping costs, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

If you have questions, call (515) 246-6555. Outside the Des Moines area, contact your local Red Cross office for details.

QUALITY OF LIFE SUPPLIES NEEDED: