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Project Ditty Bags

Waxahachie Daily Light
KELSI CROUCH, intern
05.30.06

The Ellis County Republican Women's Political Action Committee is sponsoring an ongoing project to supply soldiers under the care of Fort Hood's Fisher House with items to meet their personal and emotional needs.

"Ditty Bags" are being put together and will be delivered to active and retired soldiers and their families who are staying at the Fisher House for any length of time. Most of the recipients are between the ages of 18 and 25.

The bags can contain any number of items including toothbrushes, shampoo, socks, decks of cards, and many other things that might make a soldier's stay more comfortable.

"The Fisher House is a clean, safe, low cost haven with a warm and home-like environment for families in a medical crisis," a spokesman said, noting the families are under the care of Carl R. Darnall Medical Center at Fort Hood.

The Ellis County Republican Women don't expect any monetary donations, with a spokesman saying the group would like to stress that this is not a political project and that anyone who would like to donate items or bags is more than welcome to do so.

"These soldiers weren't asked if they were Democrat or Republican when they were asked to fight," said Jean Lane, project chairman.

The PAC will also collect "comfort" quilts or lap blankets to send to the soldiers.

"You wouldn't really see a soldier carrying a stuffed animal around, but this might take the place of one," Lane said.

Finished blankets and supplies will be accepted and sessions will be held each month for sewing and quilting.

The first delivery will take place around the third week in June. There are two Waxahachie drop-off locations. Items can be taken either to Jean Lane at 728 N. Gibson or Jane Vineyard at NAPA Auto Parts at 209 W. Main.

Patterns for blankets and bags are available upon request at the Waxahachie Daily Light, as well as a list of needed items.

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