Arizona’s largest federal credit union, Desert Schools, is partnering with Packages From Home to provide gifts and needed supplies for soldiers who are deployed overseas this holiday season.

Faced with diminishing supplies during the holidays, the Glendale-based non-profit lists several items needed for the military, however, the largest need comes in the form of monetary donations that provide the ability for Packages from Home to ship the parcels overseas.

Each package costs $17 to ship, and Desert Schools has issued a public call for assistance, guaranteeing a matching donation of $5,000 through December 26.

“It’s always important to show appreciation to our troops, especially during the holidays,” notes Susan Frank, CEO of Desert Schools. “Providing our time and money is crucial, but it can never truly match what our military gives to us every day.”

A potential combined donation of $10,000 would enable Packages From Home to ship an additional 588 packages to our troops for the holidays. Donations can be made at http://www.packagesfromhome.org/.

When donating online, users should click the blue plus sign that provides them the option to include a note with the donation, and type “Desert Schools” in the box in order to prompt a matching donation.

To add to the holiday spirit, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union’s Communi-Team members will also be volunteering at Packages From Home on December 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to help pack donated items for our troops.

For those who may not have the ability to provide cash donations, Desert Schools also encourages members of the community to donate much-needed personal items through December 20. The “Troops Top 10” list of most-wanted food and hygiene items is as follows:

  • Single drink mix packets
  • Pop tarts
  • Peanut butter cracker packs (Six crackers per pack)
  • Saltine crackers (Four sleeves per box)
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Individually wrapped tea bags
  • Hot chocolate
  • Toilet paper
  • Dental floss/dental picks
  • Baby wipes (60-70 per pack)

Items can be dropped off any time prior to December 20 at the facility located at 5643 N. 52nd Avenue in Glendale.