Police seek donations for officer serving in Iraq

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - The members of Freehold Township PBA No. 209 are asking for donations to help make their fellow police officer, Jimmy Santiago, and his unit a little more comfortable in Balad, Iraq.

"This is Jimmy's third tour of duty in the war zone of Iraq. Our goal is send the items they have requested in time for the holidays. Donations can be dropped off at the Freehold Township Police Department, the public information office in the municipal building, the Freehold Township Senior Center, or the recreation center," Police Officer Todd Smith said.

Items being requested are protein bars (any), coffee, tea bags, cider packs, nondairy creamers (liquid), protein powders (Myoplex, etc.), multivitamins, Propel vitamin powder packets, razors/blades, shaving cream, soaps, toothpaste, tissues, shower shoes (flip flops, all sizes), cough drops, batteries (AAA and AA), phone cards (international).

And, granola bars, pretzels, fruit cups (plastic bowls), tuna pouches, Fig Newtons, mixed nuts, dried fruit, beef jerky, Oreo cookies, Cheez-It and Wheat Thin crackers, Goldfish snacks, microwave popcorn, Lipton sides (pasta, rice), Kraft macaroni and cheese (non-microwave), Nutri-Grain bars, brownies/mini cake mixes (microwavable), and mini rice cakes.

In other news, the Freehold Township Community Policing Department is collecting used cell phones for the Domestic Violence Response Team. Cell phones may be dropped off at the Freehold Township Police Department in the municipal complex, Schanck and Stillwells Corner roads. For more information about the cell phone collection call (732) 294-2146.

And, the Freehold Township food pantry is accepting donations of nonperishable items. Call Rose Ann Polo, director of public assistance, at (732) 294-2048 for more information.

In a press release, the Freehold Community Counseling Service said that at this time of the year people may become concerned that someone they love is struggling with the use of alcohol or other drugs.

The Freehold Community Counseling Service is available to help the families of Freehold Township and Freehold Borough and to provide assistance with these concerns. A free substance abuse screening is also available. To arrange a confidential appointment call (732) 409-6260.