The Columbia Lions Club will participate in a donation drive as part of the Giving Back to Our Heroes campaign this holiday season. The campaign features Sweaters for Veterans, Stockings for Soldiers and Cell Phones for Soldiers.

"This is the first year that the Columbia Lions Club is participating in this ongoing annual donation drive that is part of a larger Lions Club district effort, which includes other area Lions Clubs throughout the Lancaster and Lebanon counties," explained Brandon Weese, project coordinator. "We are excited to be participating."

As Weese noted, the public is invited to donate gently used sweaters and gloves, which will be given to veterans in Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals or veterans who live in VA homes. For the stocking component, people may donate items such as lip balm, shampoo, deodorant, nail clippers, mints, gum, playing cards, socks, batteries and crossword puzzles. The public may also donate old cell phones, which are refurbished for sale; the proceeds are used to purchase calling cards for troops to stay connected with their families.

"The military makes incredible sacrifices on our behalf by ensuring our freedom and safety in America," Weese stated. "Donating a gently used sweater or purchasing a new one, going to the store and purchasing a few items for the Stockings for Soldiers is a great way to express our gratitude to them during the holidays."

Donations will support people in the local area as well as beyond Pennsylvania. "At the conclusion of the donation drive, items will be delivered to the Lebanon and Coatesville VA medical centers," Weese said. "The VA hospitals will distribute from there whether going to active soldiers that are from our area or our local veterans."

Giving Back to Our Heroes is just one way the Columbia Lions Club supports the community through the year, Weese noted. "We felt it was appropriate to support the Giving Back to Our Heroes donation drive in our local community because many of our members served, and most recently the Columbia Hometown Heroes banner program has highlighted those that have served in the military," he remarked. "It's important that we show that our small town can support this donation drive in a big way."

Donations may be dropped off at Little's Beverage, 1224 Lancaster Ave., Columbia, in donation boxes located immediately to the left inside the main entrance. For the sweaters and stockings, donations will be accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 30. The Lions Club collects cell phones year-round. For more information or to schedule pickup of items, contact Weese at 717-449-2969 or brandonmweese@gmail.com. For a complete list of items for Stockings for Soldiers or more information on the Columbia Lions Club, visit http://www.columbialions.org.