Local Bar Aiding Soldiers Stationed in Afghanistan

, at 103 West End Ave., Long Branch, is trying to make sure that two soldiers stationed in Afghanistan receive a bit of holiday cheer this year.

The bar has chosen to "adopt" Michael Malinowski and Brian Schaeffer as part of a nonprofit public charity called Adopt-A-Soldier-Platoon Inc. that helps send gifts to soldiers by Christmas.

Those who wish to donate items to the drive must do so by Nov. 27 and can drop them off at the pub.

The following is a list of acceptable items that can donated:

Sharpies, fine point, all colors
Dry erase markers (for white boards, not flip charts)
Post it notes, all sorts
AA and AAA batteries
Small games
Darts
Hand held electronic games
Sudoku games and books
Uno and other card games
Bicycle playing cards
CDs
DVD movies
Ramen Noodles – any flavor, by the case!!!
Cup-a-Soup in individual microwavable containers
Easy Mac (microwavable mac and cheese)
Crackers
Goldfish crackers
Slim Jims
Beef jerky
Tic Tacs
Mentos
Gum
Lifesavers (individually wrapped)
Gummy Bears
Sour Patch Kids
Hard candy, individually wrapped please
Premium coffee (Folgers, Gevalia, Dunkin’ Donuts)
Flavored coffee
Coffee creamer (powder)
Splenda and Equal
Single serving size Propel, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Lipton Tea 2Go.
Breakfast bars, Protein bars, Granola bars, Slim-Fast bars
Nuts
Skippy Peanut Butter
Wafer Rolls
Traditional cookies, chocolate chip, Oreos, Pecan Sandies, etc,
Microwaveable popcorn
Small stuffed animals (new only)
Candy canes
Garland
Santa hats
Ornaments
Scented candles
Christmas cakes/candies

For more information, search Ron's West End Pub on Facebook and click on events.