Curves for Women (near Bi-Mart) and Citizens Bank at 2122 S. Santiam Highway in Lebanon, and Curves for Women on Santiam Highway in Albany (across from Bi-Mart) are the donation sites this year for Operation Santa to support troops deployed to war zones. There are lists of suggested items at each location.

The local National Guardsmen currently in Iraq will be receiving holiday goodies, along with other soldiers and Marines in combat zones. Support is needed during the entire year, but especially during the holidays these young warriors need to hear from folks back home.

Donations should be returned to either of the above locations by the first week of December; sooner is better. Things that are brought after that date will still be mailed, just not in time for Christmas. Holiday cards and letters of support are also welcomed.

Monetary donations to help with mailing costs may be sent to Operation Santa, P.O. Box 874, Lebanon, OR. Questions? Call (541) 258-8239.

Anita Allen, Linn County project director, Lebanon