Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@collincountytx.gov

April 5, 2003

Collin County Employees Help Troops through a Care Package Project

(McKinney, TX) - Collin County employees are recognizing the men and women who serve in the armed forces by delivering care packages to troops overseas. Residents of Collin County are also invited to participate in the project. Nearly four-dozen county employees have family members serving abroad. Several county employees were also called to duty.

Over the next few weeks, the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, the Collin County Sheriff's Office and the Justice of the Peace office in Wiley will serve as drop-off locations for donations. Unless specifically designated, these items will be divided between the county clerk's office and the district attorney's office. Employees of the county clerk's office are making care packages to send to county employees and family members of employees who are serving in the military. Employees in the district attorney's office are creating gift boxes for troops through a program found online at www.operationmilitarypride.org.

"The care packages are a way for our troops to know that Collin County cares," says Collin County Clerk Brenda Taylor. "By sending these packages it is just a reminder to the troops that we support their efforts. The efforts would not be possible if it weren't for donations by my staff, county employees, friends, area businesses and students. I would like to thank everyone who is participating in this joint effort."

The County is collecting items ranging from toothbrushes to baby wipes. A few of the items are: Instant drink mixes, batteries (any size), granola bars, beef jerky, sunscreen, heat-resistant candy, socks, sunglasses, personal hygiene products (alcohol free), snack foods, throat and eye drops.

Persons who would like to make a financial donation can drop-off a check to the county clerk's office in McKinney. Checks need to be made out to Brenda Taylor, County Clerk.

The project will continue indefinitely.