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The Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be accepting items and donations for veterans at the Kiwanis Covington County Fair this week.

Members of the local DAR chapter voted to make this one of the organization’s projects for the year.

“The DAR organization was founded in 1890 with the simple mission of promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. These timeless, overarching principles keep the DAR strong and vitally relevant in this ever-changing world,” local DAR coordinator Brenda Gouge said. “We consider veterans of all wars to be a huge part of the creation of America and the means by which all Americans are kept safe and allowed to live free. It doesn’t get more patriotic than that.”

The DAR is requesting the following items to be donated: magazines and books, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs and hairbrushes, soap, travel-size shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, hair bands and clips, blankets, socks and underwear, zippered hoodies, bags of all kinds, and letters or cards.

“If people don’t have the means to donate items right now, then please write a letter or card that could be delivered to any hospitalized veteran. The Covington Veterans Foundation has cards the public can fill out in their booth at the fair, so they don’t even have to buy a card,” Gouge said.

Donations will be accepted until Monday, Nov. 14, when items will be dropped off at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Montgomery. Items can be left at the Bass Agency at 1830 East Three Notch Street in Andalusia. The DAR will also arrange to pick up any items the public would like to donate. “We are happy to pick up anything people want to help contribute. Just let us know, and we will make those arrangements possible.”

Monetary donations can be made out to Old Three Notch DAR. The DAR will use the funds it collects to purchase the needed items and donate them to the VA hospital.

“Please consider helping in this way. The people who dedicated their lives to the freedom of America deserve our respect, and we should all strive to thank them in any way we can. This is just one small way to let them know they are appreciated.”

Gouge also said this year’s Veterans Day parade will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.

“The Old Three Notch DAR would also like to encourage everyone in Covington County to come and be a part of, or just watch the parade. It’s another small way to say thank you to those who have kept us safe,” she said.

For more information email bgouge@centurylink.net or call Gouge at 334-222-0347 and the Bass Agency at 334-222-3145.