Local high school students serving on the CAN DO board are helping to make the holidays brighter for military personnel with ties to Greater Hazleton.

The CAN DO Student Action Committee is seeking names of servicemen and servicewomen with local ties to send them care packages as part of the 11th annual “Operation: CAN DO,” a collection drive of food, personal care and entertainment items for members of the military.

Those who have a loved one stationed overseas are encouraged to send his or her name and delivery information to Nancy Stasko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 570-455-1508 so a care package can be sent. CAN DO partners with American Legion Post 473 in Freeland, which helps coordinate the drive and sends the packages each year. The American Legion and area students will come together to assemble and ship the packages in early November to ensure they arrive in time for the holidays.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women bravely serving our country in the military. We ask area residents to help provide the names and contact information for these service members so we can extend our thanks to them for their sacrifices,” said CAN DO President Kevin O’Donnell.

Through the generosity of local businesses and residents, the “Operation: CAN DO” care packages are sent to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines without charge. The public can also donate items to the drive until Oct. 23. Donations may be made from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at CAN DO’s offices on the second floor of the Renaissance Center at 1 South Church Street, the corner of Broad and Church streets, in Hazleton.

Businesses or individuals who would like to make monetary donations are asked to make checks payable to “Operation: CAN DO.” Donations may be sent to “Operation: CAN DO,” c/o Nancy Stasko, 1 South Church Street, 200 Renaissance Center, Hazleton, PA 18201.

For a complete list of items appropriate for donation, visit www.hazletoncando.com or contact Stasko at 570-455-1508 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The list includes canned potato chips, individual packets of crackers or trail mix, hard candy, coffee bags, creamer packets, sealable freezer bags, soap, gloves, lip balm, sun block, personal packs of tissues, foot powder, blister pads, blister medication, bug repellent wipes, magazines, new paperback novels, puzzle books and disposable cameras.