Marion County letters to the editor: Published Sept. 23

Writer asks for support for deployed military unit

Dear Editor,

I’m Linda Johnson, the mother of Sgt. Antonio Johnson and I am asking for donations to make care packages for my son’s unit. He was deployed to Afghanistan on Aug. 14.
This is his second deployment, serving in Afghanistan and he has also served in Iraq for 18 months.
Below is a list of items that are needed for the unit. There are approximately 17 female soldiers and 99 male soldiers in his unit. If possible we are asking that you provide at least one item per soldier.
The Marion Fire Department has agreed to be the host drop off location and this will also be the location where we will be preparing our care packages. Participants will be dropping off no later than Nov. 16. If you will need them picked up please let us know before this time. We are trying to have all the packages shipped out on Nov. 20.
Thank you so much for your help and effort in making this a great success.
Thank you in advance,
Linda Johnson

1. Disposable camera
2. Rice Krispy treats
3. Altoids /mints
4. Beef Jerky
5. Snack mixes
6. Sunflower seeds
7. Chewing gum
8. Ziploc bags
9. Poker games
10. Music CD’s
11. Cookies in individual packages
12. Dominos
13. Nuts
14. Microwave popcorn
15. Ramen noodles
16. Hot cocoa mix
17. Granola bars
18. Magazines
19. AA batteries
20. Sewing kit
21. Foot powder
22. Word puzzles
23. Hard candy individual bags
24. Board games
25. Paperback books
26. Microwave macaroni & Cheese
27. Pads
28. Tampons
29. Hair grease – men, women
30. Socks – men, women (ankle, tube) white no show
31. Diaper wipes
32. Toothpaste
33. Tooth bushes
34. Envelopes
35. Paper (stationary, writing)
36. Razors – men, women
37. Shaving cream – men, women
38. Ink pens
39. Q-tips
40. Cotton balls
41. Deodorant – men, women
42. Lotion – men, women
43. Combs – men, women
44. Brushed – men, women
45. Shampoo – men, women
46. Chapstick
47. Carmex (chapstick)
48. Sunscreen
49. Hand sanitizer
50. Vaseline
51. Kleenex
52. Du rags – men
53. Scarfs – women
54. Soap men, women

Writer ask for challenge

Dear Editor,

I am writing to solicit your pledge for the Multiple Sclerosis Bikeober Challenge. The challenge is a two day 150 mile bike ride on Oct. 3-4 to raise money for research to find a cure for this terrible and debilitating disease. I can hardly imagine the mental anguish to wake up one day and to know your bodily functions are deteriorating some times at a rapid pace. The ability to get out of bed and to do simple tasks that we take for granted everyday such as putting on our shoes or brushing our hair becomes a monumental task for the person with multiple sclerosis. I have accepted this challenge because I know my body will respond to the challenge, so I do it for hose that can’t.
I especially have been moved by a patient’s husband whom recently contracted multiple sclerosis. The man’s name is Kevin Hardee and he is a father of three. Kevin was once a member of a gospel quartet, but now he is unable to sing with the group. He is unable to support his family as this disease slowly robs his body. Kevin is an inspiration to many because of his faith in God. He never complains and always has a smile on his face. I have had the privilege of knowing Kevin through his wife Jill and the birth of their children. This is very much of a personal challenge for me. I know that as the miles add up I will surely experience some pain, but I know it is pale in comparison to what Kevin must endure every day. He is a true hero. I hope you will take time to open your heart and wallet to support this worthy cause so people like Kevin have the promise of a cure.
Please make checks payable to Multiple Sclerosis and mail to 1308 Lazar Place Florence, SC. 29501, or you can go to Bike MS and make an online donation, please have donation in by Sept. 18.
Sincerely
Marshall Dent