HAVERHILL, MASS — Northeast Community Credit Union is now accepting donations to supply two US Marines with well needed supplies. The donations will be used to create care packages for two brothers and their respective units that are stationed in the Middle East. Brothers CPL Adam Powell and LCPL Jake Powell will each receive care packages. Adam Powell and his troop are stationed in Iraq and Jake Powell and his troop will be stationed in Saudi Arabia. Credit union members and members of the Greater Haverhill area are encouraged to participate in the drive.

The drive is sponsored by the Activities Committee, an employee-based group within the credit union that orchestrates monthly events. The events are meant to be both fun and serve as a fundraiser to support worthy causes. Typically, employees donate a set amount of money to the fund in order to participate in that month’s event. In the past, events have included wearing Halloween costumes, jeans, or even favorite sports jerseys. Last year the group donated nearly $1000.00 to local charities.

“We feel strongly about supporting the troops that are fighting for freedom,” stated Peter DiBenedetto, NCCU’s Treasurer/CEO. “ We all owe a debt of gratitude to those men and women that are fighting on behalf of our country. Collecting items and sending a regular care package seems the least that we can do, as a credit union and a community, to show these young men that we appreciate the commitment they are making to our country.”

Donation suggestions include:

• Toiletries (travel sized or small containers and non-aerosol): Chapstick/Lip Balm, Suntan Lotion, Insect Repellent (non-aerosol), Moisturizing Lotion, Body Powder, Shampoo, Bar Soap, Deodorant, Baby Wipes/Body Wipes/Sanitizing Wipes, Tooth Paste, Tooth Brushes, Floss, Hand Sanitizer, Band-Aids, Disinfectant, Foot Powder/Creams, Nail Clippers, Eye Drops, Toilet Paper, Q-Tips, Disposable Razors, Pain Reliever (Advil), Desitin Cream
• Food (nothing that will melt/no pork products): Chewing Gum, Hard Candy, Mints, Throat/Cough Drops, Sweetened Drink Mixes, Gatorade Mixes, Tea Bags, Hot Chocolate Mixes, Coffee, Granola Bars, Instant Oatmeal/Cereals, Cup Of Noodles, Ramen Noodles, Dry Soup Mix, Beef Jerky, Pop-Tarts, Pretzels, Cracker Sandwiches
• Clothing: Bandanas/Handkerchiefs, OD Green Socks, White T-Shirts
• Extras: Batteries AA/AAA, Playing Cards, Crossword Puzzles, Stationary, Pens, Global Calling Cards, Magazines (Sports Illustrated, People)

Care package drives will take place once every quarter. For this drive, the credit union is accepting donations now through out the month of February. Donations may be dropped off at any of the credit union’s locations: Lafayette Square or Cushing Avenue.

Northeast Community Credit Union is a community-based credit union. Founded in 1934, Northeast Community Credit Union provides a wide array of financial services, including home mortgages, free checking and on-line bill pay as well as complementary financial planning services for all members through a partnership with Northeast Planning Associates. The credit union serves more than 11,000 members in the Essex County, MA; Middlesex County, MA; and Rockingham County, NH areas. For more information, call 978-374-4533.