METHUEN | New England Caring for Our Military will be at The Loop shopping mall Saturday to collect books, shampoo, coffee and more items for soldiers serving overseas.
The event, which will be at the mall on Pleasant Valley Street from 10 a.m to 6 p.m., will be the last drop-off date for people to make donations. The Methuen-based group will send the donations to Iraq.
Ramon "Andy" Jimenez, father of missing Army Spec. Alex Jimenez of Lawrence will be at the event with some of Jimenez' friends.
The packages will be first sent to members from the 10th Mountain Division. Jimenez, 25, and two other men serving with the unit went missing following an ambush May 12. One soldier was later found dead.
Soap, coffee and candy and more items are also being collected. A list of items can be seen on-line at www.necfom.org.
Saturday's event will also feature entertainment. Raffle tickets and yellow Support Our Troop magnetic ribbons will be on sale. People who donate more than $5 will receive a gift.
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