The Times News is joining Blue Ridge Communications to host the 11th annual Stockings for Soldiers initiative through Nov. 16.

The company works with Keystone Military Families, which annually ships between 8,100 and 10,000 holiday stockings filled with food, hygiene products and other items, along with Christmas cards, to servicemen and women stationed around the world.

This year, monetary donations will be accepted online to purchase much-needed care package items (such as food, hygiene, comfort, etc.) and shipping costs to deliver the stockings.

“This annual effort helps boost spirits, demonstrates our caring support and shows our troops overseas how much they are truly appreciated by all of us,” BRC Marketing/Community Relations Coordinator Cindy Mellinger said. “Without this initiative, many of our soldiers may feel forgotten during the Christmas season.”

Visit www.brctv.com/stockingsforsoldiers to make an online donation.

A bin is located in the Times News vestibule to donate items for the stockings, which include power bars, cereal bars, trail mix, granola, candy canes, K-cups, coffee creamer and sugar packets, hot chocolate, individual snacks (crackers, cookies, nuts and/or cheese and cracker kits), peanut butter and jelly (small jars), five-hour energy drinks, small sewing and/or manicure kits, DVDs (current releases are appreciated), sunscreen, ChapStick, deodorant, aspirin, Tylenol, cold medicine, vitamins, calf-high socks (black or white, cotton or wool for men and women), hand and/or foot warmers and thermal gloves and/or glove liners.

If you have extra Christmas cards, sign them for our servicemen and women who may be missing being home this Christmas.

Checks are also accepted. Make them payable to Keystone Military Families c/o The Lehigh Valley Press, 1633 N. 26th St., Allentown, PA 18104.