Clermont County Public Library is collecting personal care and entertainment items for troops deployed overseas, with drop-offs accepted at all 10 of its branches starting Monday, Nov. 2.

The drive runs through Wednesday, Dec. 2. Donated items will go to the Yellow Ribbon Support Center, a Union Township-based nonprofit that packs and ships care packages to military members serving abroad, according to a library announcement posted Oct. 28.

The collection is part of the library's annual Giving Program. This year's partner was chosen to honor the Ohio America250 theme for November: "Ohio Serves: Remembering Veterans, First Responders & Frontline Heroes."

Residents can bring items to any Clermont County Public Library branch during regular hours. Branches are closed Sundays. Monday hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday hours are noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All branches will be closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving.

What to bring

The library posted a list of more than 30 accepted items. Requested toiletries include travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, baby powder and baby wipes. Other personal care items include deodorant, soap, lip balm, foot powder, sanitary napkins and tampons.

Entertainment items are welcome too: paperback books, puzzle books, coloring books, playing cards, board games, crayons, colored pencils, pens and markers, disposable cameras and yoyos.

Practical items round out the list: new white cotton socks, cotton washcloths, shower flip-flops, nail clippers, nail files, toilet paper, tweezers and Ziploc storage bags in all sizes.

Where the packages go

The Yellow Ribbon Support Center operates out of Union Township in Clermont County. The nonprofit relies on donated goods and funds from local businesses and individuals to cover all costs, including shipping, according to its website.

Keith Maupin, whose son Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin was taken hostage in Iraq in 2004 and later confirmed dead, helps run the operation. WLWT reported in April that Maupin personally tapes the boxes and drives them to the post office. The center had packed and mailed 38,500 care packages as of that April report.

The library's full list of accepted items and branch locations is available at clermontlibrary.org.