The Texas Exes Care About THE PROJECT is a program designed to unite alumni nationwide for a single day of service during the month of February. This is an extension of the premier service event at The University of Texas at Austin, designed by students to benefit the many Austin neighborhoods surrounding the campus now spreading to Chapter/Network communities. During this month of service, our combined efforts will have a tremendous impact on our communities, help spread the pride we have for the University of Texas, and show once again how UT alumni change the world.
Starting Monday, February 13th for two weeks, we will have boxes outside of the Theo’s Pizza Uptown and Mid-City (addresses below) for members of Texas Exes to donate to Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas. Airborne Angels is a non-profit organization started by UT alumni that donates care packages to troops overseas, focusing on the combat regions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Directly from their website (http://www.airborneangelcadets.com/), here are the items to focus on:
NONFOOD ITEMS:
* DVDs, CDs, video games, power converters
* Socks - plain white or black for men & women (no logos), Thorlos
* Twin Sheets, Pillow Cases
* Flip flops (for showering)
* Towels, Blankets, Throws
* Caps, Gloves, Underwear, Scarves
* Foot powder, Deodorant (non aerosol)
* Insect repellant (non aerosol), Disinfectant
* Ankle - Knee Braces, BenGay, Bandaids
* Air fresheners
* Lip balm, Suntan Lotion, Moisturizing Lotion, Soap, Shampoo
* Baby or adult wipes (showers aren't always available, soft refills - not hard cases)
* Batteries (AA and AAA are often requested)
* Office supplies - Stationery, pens, greeting cards (for soldiers to mail home to loved ones)
* Sporting goods (soccer balls, footballs, frisbees)
* Feminine products - tampons
* Playing Cards, Board Games, Puzzle Books
* Eye Drops
* Used cell phones and inkjet cartridges (we can recycle and use the proceeds for postage)
* Phone Cards
FOODS:
* Coffee - instant or ground (no decaf please)
* Nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)
* Candy (Chocolates only from October through February)
* Tea - Hot Chocolate
* Microwavable Popcorn
* Snacks, Crackers
* Fruit, Granola and Snack bars, Canned Fruit (no cans that require can opener)
* Powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, Country Time lemonade, etc.)
* Sunflower seeds
* Lays Stax Chips, Pringles, Rice Krispies Treats
* Peanut Butter
* Foiled tuna packs
* Beef Jerky (Jack Links, Pemmican, Pecos Bill, Slim Jim, Oberto, etc.)
* Ramen noodles
* Shelf-stable microwavable dinners
ITEMS TO AVOID:
* Cans that require a can opener.
* Items packed in glass bottles.
* Pork products (restricted by importing country).
* Chocolates (due to melting) ... except from October to February.
* No aerosol products.
* No homemade food products.
* No liquor, flamable-pressurized items, X-rated materials.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT NEEDED RIGHT NOW:
We have an adequate supply of : Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, hand sanitizer, paperback books.
WHAT ITEMS ARE MOST IN NEED:
We welcome any donations of the above products. But some of the items at the top of our wish list are:
1) Soft refill packs of baby wipes (no hard plastic containers please)
2) Beef jerky
3) Socks - plain white or black for men & women (no logos)
4) Body wash, soap, foot powder
5) Lotion, especially during the winter
6) Coffee - instant or ground (no decaf please)
Uptown Theo’s is located at 4218 Magazine Street, and the Mid-City location is at 4024 Canal Street. The boxes will be right outside the door. Theo’s has a $1 draft night on Tuesdays and a $10 bottle of wine night on Wednesdays, so those would be great nights to drop by!
On Monday, February 27th we’ll see how much we have and have a packing party.
Contact Alison Whitt (alisonhwhitt@gmail.com) or visit www.texasexes.org/care to learn more!
Contact Alison Whitt (alisonhwhitt@gmail.com) or visit www.texasexes.org/care to learn more!
