A troop packing event and donation drive is scheduled Sunday, Nov. 8 at JB Hunt Transport, 2660 Loomis Rd. (Stockton), courtesy of the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II Memorial Troop Support Program.

“We still have troops deployed in harm’s way – they are still out there protecting our freedom,” according to Chuck and Teri Palmer, Gold Star parents of Cpl. Palmer II, US Marine Corp.

The Manteca High graduate was killed in action May 2007 in Kahlidiyah, Iraq.

Needed are correspondence items (paper, pens, pocket-sized tablet), games / toys (travel size games, cards, squirt guns, dice, CDs, DVDs), personal hygiene items, feminine hygiene items, high protein snacks (jerky, energy bars, nuts), seasoning / condiments (sugar, salt, pepper, powdered creamers, ketchup, mustard), personal grooming items (nail clippers, lip balm, combs, brushes), and hand towels, wash cloths and socks, to name a few.

The plan is to collect and ship these items to those stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Each box costs $15.90 for shipping, making cash donations acceptable.

“We will be wrapping the inside of the boxes with Christmas wrap again at this packing event,” said the Palmers. “If you have extra Christmas paper you could (also) donate it.”

This packing event also honors veterans. They’ll be served barbecue hamburgers and hotdogs once again.

 In addition, donations can be dropped off at following locations:

Smog Tech, 195 S. Union St., Manteca, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Armor Up, 2511 N. Tracy Blvd., Tracy, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Freedom Smog, 830 Kansas Ave. C1, Modesto, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 209.239.3088 or log on to www.cplpalmertroopsupport.com.