Some news items don’t need translation. That’s why DPJ launched the From the Wire series, so we could serve the destinations here by posting information and announcements – in their own words.

Items donated on July 21 will go to Packages From Home, to support deployed American troops

The Arizona Rattlers will celebrate Military Appreciation Night for their last regular season home game as they face-off against the Kansas City Command on Saturday, July 21 at US Airways Center. Kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m.

Military members with proper identification will receive a “buy one, get one free” ticket deal for any open seat at the July 21 game. This offer is limited to two free tickets per identification.

Fans who bring an item from the list below to the game on July 21 will receive one complimentary upper bowl ticket to the game. This ticket can also be used as $6 towards an upgrade to a lower level ticket. Items will be collected inside the Casino Arizona Pavilion located at the Northwest entrance on Jefferson and 2nd street from 5:00 p.m. until kick-off. All donations collected will be used to create “packages from home” that will be sent to deployed troops.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Yeung, Arizona Rattlers Photographer.

On Tuesday, July 24 members of the Arizona Rattlers team, Sidewinders dancers and Stryker will host a packaging party to put together all of the collected items to be shipped overseas. The packaging party is open to the public and will take place in the Casino Arizona Pavilion at US Airways Center from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Packages From Home is a non-profit organization that provides food, personal care and recreational items to deployed American troops at no cost to them.

Preferred items for donation are listed below:

FOOD
Drink mix singles (Crystal Lite, Gatorade)
Coffee (ground, vacuum pack or small cans-1 lb. or smaller) – Tea bags
Slim Jims (short 0.28 oz. per stick)
Canned chili, ravioli, Spaghetti-O’s, soup, stew (15 oz. to 20 oz.)
Top Ramen soup/noodle mix (3 oz.) Square packs
Canned fruit (5 oz. to 16 oz.)
Canned tuna, chicken, or turkey (6 oz. to 8 oz.)
Granola bars, Power bars or energy bars
Rice Krispie Treats, snack crackers – individual size (1 oz. to 2 oz.)
Hot chocolate – (Individual size)
Jelly, squeezable, in plastic containers (20.5 oz.)
Peanut butter in plastic containers- (16 oz. to 18 oz.)
Nuts – cashews, peanuts, corn nuts, sunflower seeds, trail mix (1.5 oz. to 6 oz.)
Fruit snacks – individual size (1 oz. to 3 oz.)
Condiments – Individual packets – mustard, relish, ketchup, mayonnaise, creamer and sugar
Tabasco sauce (2 oz. size)
Saltine crackers

HYGIENE
Foot powder – Gold Bond etc.
Eye drops (for desert environment)
Lip balm (Blistex, Carmex, Chapstick etc.)
Sunscreen – (6 oz. to 8 oz.)
Men’s deodorant (Stick type – NOT anti-perspirant) (0.5 oz. to 3 oz.)
Lotion, cleanser and/or moisturizer cream (1 oz. to 5 oz.).
Shampoo & conditioner travel size (1 oz. to 3 oz.)
Mouthwash – travel size (2 oz. to 8 oz.)
Floss or floss pics
Hand sanitizer – small and medium size (2 oz. to 8 oz.)
Wet wipes (unscented-baby wipes)
Tampons
Disposable razors – (Quatro Pro and Mach 3 preferred – with refills)
Shaving cream (2 oz. to 5 oz.)
Socks – men & women’s
T-shirts – medium, large, & extra-large – new only please
Boxer shorts – medium, large, and extra-large
Toothbrushes – individually packaged
Toothpaste – trial or small size are great
Band aids
Bounce unscented dryer sheets
Toilet paper
Tissue packs – travel size
Bug repellent

RECREATION – New or gently used
Paperback books, Music CD’s, DVD’s
Board games, puzzles, models, dominoes
Hand-held games (poker, solitaire, etc.)
Puzzle books (crossword, Sudoku, word search, Ken-Ken)
Ping Pong paddles / balls & nets
Sports equipment and nets
Video games & systems  PS2, PS3, X Box , Wii (In working condition)
Video game CD’s

If you go

Last regular home game of the season: Saturday, July 21 at US Airways Center

Packages from Home Packaging Party: Tuesday, July 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets for the last regular season home game can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 602-514-TDTD (8383) or at the Arena box office.

For additional information on the Arizona Rattlers, please visit www.azrattlers.com.