Donations needed for troop care packages

A Ramona Blue Star Mother is asking for the community’s support by contributing sunflower seeds and nuts for troops serving overseas. Donations will be accepted until Feb. 8.

Evelyn McCormick said a bin is set up at Ramona’s 7 Eleven, 1076 Main St., where residents can donate Frito-Lay brand sunflower seeds and nuts for the 2013 Pacific Desert Packages from Home program. Frito-Lay and 7 Eleven are partnering in the Blue Star Mothers program. The donation bin tells what products are accepted and they can be purchased at the store.

Blue Star Mothers of America is an organization of mothers and stepmothers who have sons or daughters serving in or honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.

McCormick’s son, Jeremy Stuckey, served in the Marines, and son Sean Stuckey has been in the Coast Guard for 22 years. Both grew up in Ramona. In addition, McCormick said Sean’s wife, Veronica, is in the Navy and part of the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal).

Besides being involved in San Diego North County Blue Star Mothers, McCormick is on the board of directors for Freedom Station USA, which provides temporary lodging and educational and career guidance for injured and disabled members of the military. McCormick also serves on the Ramona Design Review Board.

For more information about Blue Star Mothers, see SDNCBlueStarMothers.org.