
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 28, 1991                   TAG: 9102280204
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MADELYN ROSENBERG/ HIGHER EDUCATION WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

HOT SAUCE ON LIST OF GOODIES FOR TROOPS

Virginia Tech students have their own idea of what soldiers need while they're in the Persian Gulf:

Darts. Chess games. Baseball gloves. Thermal underwear.

And please, whatever you do, don't forget the Tabasco sauce.

"They eat the same types of food over there every day," said Julie Swift, who also is organizing a collection of Worcestershire and soy sauce to be sent overseas. "They need anything to spice it up. Anything will do as long as it has a long shelf life."

Swift, a student senator, has been working with other Tech students to put together massive care packages.

"Honestly, we've not been doing as well as we expected," she said Wednesday. The boxes set up for collection at the Memorial Chapel, War Memorial Gym and dining halls are half-empty.

Members of the Student Government Association and the Service Council put up fliers two weeks ago listing items that would make good additions to the care packages. Some of the suggestions came from a government-compiled list compiled. The rest were from members of the Corps of Cadets.

"So far, we've collected a lot of books, stationery and batteries," said Swift, a junior in statistics.

A few students made tapes of their favorite tunes and turned those in, said Muriel Harrison, a member of an honor and service fraternity that's helping to organize the event.

"And we've collected lots of magazines. . . . Did you hear about the Tabasco sauce?"

The items will be boxed and mailed on Monday. Until then, the organizers are hoping for more donations.

Though in recent days the war has appeared to be winding down, it still may be some time before U.S. soldiers begin to return home.

"Regardless of when ends, people will still there. We're sure that what's collected will go to use," Swift said. She paused. "We're not doing this to suport war - or condemn it. We need to make that clear. We're doing it to support the troops."

by CNB