Rotary supper brings in school supply donations

Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

During the New Prague Rotary Club's annual spaghetti supper on Thursday, March 22, the local Blue Star Families/Operation Hometown Spirit collected five boxes of school supplies and other items.

The supplies were part of a collection where people donated supplies and small toys for Iraqi children. The event also encouraged people to bring in Mach 3 razor blades and plain white athletic socks for U.S. soldiers.

Sherry Valley, president of Wells Fargo Bank in New Prague, said the supper at the Park Ballroom in New Prague collected a duffel bag of socks. Approximately 150 pairs of socks were donated for soldiers to use over the summer months in Iraq.

The socks are preferred over army-issued socks since they don't absorb heat as much. The razor blades allow for a very close shave, so the soldiers can get their gas masks to fit securely.

Valley said the Rotary will be donating $1,500 to the Blue Star Families, matching what they gave the organization last year. Also, school supplies, socks and Mach 3 razors are still being accepted at Wells Fargo Bank in New Prague.

Ongoing donations

The above items and small toys can still be dropped off at Bargain Betty's in downtown New Prague throughout April. The store will have a display in its window listing items that can be donated.

Donated toys include Matchbox cars, dolls, or puzzles and games that don't need to be translated. No battery-operated toys should be donated. Other items needed include sandals, shower shoes or flip-flops of any size, which will go to both Iraqi children and soldiers who can wear them while off duty.