12 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 10, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Operation Santa Claus to aid troops Canadian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan will receive supplies just in time for the holidays, thanks to Operation Santa Claus for Our Canadian Troops. The idea to send the supplies down began in Deep River, but it developed an "Oakville connection" through Sylvia Verdenhalven. A sales representative with Royal LePage, Verdenhalven used to work in Deep River and was reading the local paper when she came across Operation Santa Claus. "Our Glen Abbey bridge ladies' group was asking about a project for Christmas, so I told them about what I'd read about Operation Santa Claus," she said. "They thought it was a great idea.'" The idea began when Deep River's Debi Rousselle was with a friend who was talking to her husband, who is stationed in Kandahar. Rousselle then voiced her desire to put together a package to send over to the soldiers for Christmas. "The guy on the phone yelled to his buddies, `What do you guys need,'" said Verdenhalven. "They all started yelling stuff and she wrote down a list." That list was printed in the town's local paper and includes: lip balm, Tim Hortons' coupons, energy drink crystals, moist wipes, peanut butter, peanuts, wine gums, trail mix, licorice, beef jerky, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toothbrush covers, deodorant, disposable razors, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, male or female toiletries (bar soap, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc.) shaving cream (non-aerosol), gum, cough drops, mints, cereal snack bars, chips (in small bags), toilet paper, dental floss, coffee filters, old DVDs for the recreation center, crossword puzzles, newspapers, single bed sheets and magazines like The Hockey News, Popular Mechanics and Sports Illustrated. Since getting on board, Verdenhalven now has "an overflowing red box" full of these supplies in her office. "There's lots of stuff coming in, I'm really surprised," she said. "The response has been great." The deadline to contribute goods to Operation Santa Claus for Our Canadian Troops is Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. Here's how to help out: fill up a large zip-lock bag with items from the list, including a note inside with your name, address, town and a "cheery message," Verdenhalven adds, if you'd like. On the front of the bag or package, tape a list of the contents and drop it off at Royal LePage, 251 North Service Rd. W. at Dorval. The Royal Lepage office has agreed to be the drop-off location for all Oakville contributions. Loose and bulk items will also be accepted. On Nov. 20, the goods will be delivered by car from Oakville to the Deep River post office. Items will then be packaged into boxes donated by a local Deep River business, picked up by personnel from Camp Petawawa and delivered to Trenton where they will be flown directly to Afghanistan. Reduce Reuse Recycle BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER CHRISTMAS CHEER: Local Realtor Sylvia Verdenhalven is spearheading Oakville's participation in Operation Santa Claus for Our Canadian Troops, a Christmas program that provides supplies for Canadian troops in Afghanistan. WINDOW PA I N S ? Come and join Lisa Nicholl, as she shares her ideas and expertise on how to treat your ailing windows and transform your views from dull to beautiful! WEEKEND SEMINAR S AT U R D A Y N O V E M B E R 11 1: 0 0 P M Call 905-632-4994 to reserve · drapery + hardware · custom sewing + furniture · in-home consultation · W E ' V E R A I S E D T H E C U R TA I N Our Luxury To GoTM ready-made drapery collection is exquisitely designed and ready to hang. With over 90 in stock drapery panels to choose from, it's easy to achieve the custom look without the wait. Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm Thursday & Friday: 10am to 8pm Saturday: 10am to 6pm Sunday: 12pm to 5pm QEW / 403 h Lin Guelp ew Fairvi St. Drury t Bran Map le Ave . Caro Ln. QEW line S t. St. Rd. e Visit www.invudraperyco.com to become a member. a b b b a r g o o n 's c o n c e p t Lake shore 2004 Caroline Street, Burlington Ontario L7R 1K9 · 905.632.4994