Cops collect items for soldiers

[attach]931[/attach]As Staff Sergeant Jim Gotell prepares for his journey to Afghanistan, his fellow officers at 33 Division are asking the community to donate to the Support Our Troops Drive.

Gotell is completing his training in preparation for his nine-month mission, which begins this month. He is among many in Toronto’s police service who work with Canada’s military overseas.

Officers at 33 Division are asking the public to donate toiletries and household items that will later be divided into shoeboxes and sent to Canadian troops.

The division held a similar drive last year but the donations came from within the police service, said Constable Kelly Downie.

This year, 33 Division decided to open the drive to the community.

The division has placed two large green bins emblazoned with the words Support Our Troops in its front lobby.

Already, police have seen an outpouring of generosity from locals, Downie said.

“Within 24 hours, the two big bins are practically full,” she said.

She noted the division has also received generous offers of cash.

“This isn’t a money drive,” said Downie. “We’re not asking people to dig deep in their pockets. We’re just looking for everyday items like a package of razors.”

Also high on the list of requested goods are hand and face wipes because of the lack of water and shower facilities overseas means the wipes are put to good use, said Downie.

Other items found on the list include deodorant, playing cards, coffee, newspapers and Lysol wipes.

“We take these products for granted (but) they really appreciate it there,” Downie said. “It gives them a little comfort of home.”

At the rate things are going, Downie said, the division will be able to send out triple the number of boxes they did last year.

“As a paramilitary organization, it’s the least we can do,” she said.

Though there is no deadline to drop donations off, 33 Division police hope to collect and package all items no later than Nov. 25.

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