Last weekend — as part of the mother-daughter National Charity League — Suzanne Kalb’s family helped pack items for American soldiers.
As she worked, Andi Grant — founder and president of Give2TheTroops — described the heart-wrenching devastation American servicemembers encountered when they arrived in Japan on a relief mission.
The earthquake and tsunami destruction was so bad, many troops pulled toiletry kits out of their duffels and handed over all their possessions. Whatever was on their ships — pillows, blankets, food — they gave away.
Suzanne is also involved with a Staples parent-son club: Service League of Boys (SLOBs). Now she and they have swung into action to support American troops working in Japan.
They’re collecting the following items:
- Blankets and towels (new — or at least look new)
- Face masks
- Work and mechanical gloves
- Bug repellent (pump sprays only — no aerosol cans)
- Wash cloths
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizers
- First aid kits, Band-Aids, gauze, disposable medical gloves, medical tape, ointments
- Aspirin and Tylenol
- Shaving supplies (soap or tubes — no aerosol cans)
- Candy, gum, protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit snacks, ramen noodles
Items can be dropped off in a large box on Suzanne’s front porch (88 Compo Road South), any time.
But the sooner the better.

American troops at work in Japan.