Firelands Electric Cooperative collecting donations for USO of Northern Ohio Step Up for Soldiers

NEW LONDON — Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the USO is not currently accepting items for overseas care packages. As a result, the USO of Northern Ohio Step Up for Soldiers annual drive will look a bit different for 2020. This year, Firelands Electric Cooperative has teamed up with local radio stations WLKR-FM and K96-FM to collect donations for the Bob Hope USO Lounge at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (www.clevelandairport.com/ airport/services-amenities/ uso-lounge). Available to U.S. military servicemen and women and their families, the lounge provides a place to grab a snack, send email, read, or just find a quiet spot on a busy day of travel. Beginning Nov. 11 and running through Dec. 11, Firelands Electric will be collecting donations at the co-op's facility located at 103 Industrial Drive in New London. Although the lobby is currently closed to the public, items may be dropped off in the collection boxes located right inside the front entryway during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Suggested donation items include razors, cotton swabs, tissues, deodorant, toothpaste, eye drops, ear plugs, playing cards, chewing gum, hard candy, beef jerky, trail mix and snack packs. Since all donations will be going to the airport lounge, the co-op is unable to accept canned goods, household supplies or toys this year. Donated items should be small and geared toward travelers. Information and a list of recommended donation items is also available at www.firelandsec.com/uso- northern-ohio. "This year marks our 13th year collecting for the USO," said Andrea Gravenhorst, director of member services, communications, and IT. "And Firelands Electric Cooperative is honored to once again support the brave men and women serving our country." The USO of Northern Ohio serves military families throughout 29 counties and touches the lives of nearly 45,000 Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members. It is a non-profit organization, supported solely through the generosity of the citizens, organizations, and corporations of northern Ohio. It receives no government funds. Visit the USO of Northern Ohio website (www.northernohio.uso.org) to discover other ways to donate.