Nail salon collecting items for troops

If you’ve driven by Fancy Feet & Fingers recently, you may have noticed how the store front is decked out in patriotic red, white and blue.
But the ladies aren’t just making sure they’re ready for the Fourth of July ? they’re an official drop-off point for those donating to Operation Care Package of Michigan (OCPM).
OCPM was started by a group of volunteers in Lapeer who’s mission is to send support to American service men and women serving our country.
The support comes in the form of a box packed with donated items, like trail mix, CDs, hats, DVDs, snack items and travel games.
Amy Atkeson, owner of Fancy Feet & Fingers, heard about OCPM and decided to collect donations for the cause.
The nail salon, located at 14 S. Washington, usually hold fund-raisers for Relay for Life, but Atkeson said she wanted to ‘change it up a bit.?
Items needed are:
Baby wipes, beef jerky, bar soap, cookies, batteries, crackers, black sunglasses, hard candy, bug spray, gum, sticky bug strips, chap stick, cough drops, disposable razors, saline nose spray, Advil, Motrin, scarves, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toilet paper, envelopes, pens, paper, instant oatmeal, mouthwash, toothpicks, blankets, tuna or turkey (foil packages), greeting cards, sports equipment.
Atkeson said if residents want to donate, but don’t have the money to purchase these items, feel free to write a nice letter or have a child color a picture.
‘Any kind of mail they can get is exciting for them,? she said.
Items for OCPM can be dropped off at Fancy Feet & Fingers Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. until June 16. Call Atkeson at (248) 236-9124 with any questions.
Another way to support the U.S. troops will be on Sunday, September 2 for the 7th Annual 9-11 Memorial Run in Centennial Park.
The Run, which accepts any and all forms of bikes, was started in 2001 by Oxford resident Robert ‘Tattoo Bob? Howell and his brother, Capac resident Harry Pressel to remember victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and raise money for families of American fallen heroes.
This year’s memorial run will benefit Operation Care Package Michigan and the Billy Lake Cancer Foundation.
For more information on how to donate to OPC, visit their website at www.ocpmi.com.