Help’s on the way

Employees of North Oakland Ear, Nose & Throat Centers in Independence Township got together after work March 11 for a party ? a packing party for supplies to be sent to soldiers in Iraq.
‘Our office has taken a special interest in the military because of the involvement of family and friends of some of our workers,? said Mary Blanchard in her letter to the troops.
‘We hope these items will be helpful to you.?
Blanchard, and fellow employees Karen and Rick Merryman, said the idea for the packing part grew out of their Cell Phones for Soldiers Program.
They donated more than 500 phones to Recellular in Washtenaw County. The company sells them and uses the money to purchase phone cards for troops.
They also received monetary donations, which they used to buy lotion, socks, shampoo, pain relievers, nuts, gum, candy, Chap Stick, playing cards, stationary, and other supplies.
The office also donated skin care supplies, Blanchard said.
Beth Brown brought supplies donated by colleagues at Delphi, where she works, and helped pack them up.
‘It’s awesome to be a part of it, you feel like you’re doing something,? Brown said.
The products are being sent to a patient’s father who was deployed to Iraq around Christmas time. He will distribute the items throughout his unit.