Air Lift Squadron stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan with stockings sent to them for Christmas, 2017. -Photo provided

Fittingly at Veterans Day, continuing the annual tradition, members of the local community are banding together again to make Christmas a little brighter for members of the military stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan and surrounding bases.

Terry Lyon, Sarah Dostal, Berleen Wobeter, Mary Doyle and others are heading up the Stocking Project, which was started four years ago, when Terry’s son, Ty Lyon, was stationed at Bagram at Christmas time. Ty is a C-130 pilot with the Air Lift Squadron, the group that distributes the stockings.

Last year more than 300 handmade stockings were stuffed with goodies. This year the Stocking Project’s goal is again 300 stockings.

You can help by donating any of the following items: chapsticks, yo-yo’s (or other small dollar toys), Lifesavers (or bags of individually wrapped candies), gum, tins of mints, Jerky sticks, granola bars/breakfast bars, dry soup mixes, hot chocolate, tea, Emergen C, microwave popcorn, travel size of personal care items, small (purse size) flashlights, and Christmas cards

Cash donations are greatly appreciated to cover costs of mailing and items not donated. Monetary donations are a great way to honor a veteran.

Locations for Donations will be: Shopko, Tama Library, Toledo Library, State Bank of Toledo- south location, Pinnacle Bank Toledo, Lincoln Savings Bank, Tama.

Donations will be accepted through Nov. 24.

You can contact Terry Lyon, 641-751-5846 or Sarah Dostal, 641-484-5265.

All support is appreciated.