During the month of April, Hays County employees are celebrating County Government Month by collecting and sending needed items to military troops overseas, with a focus on those from Hays County. The national theme for this year’s month-long recognition of county government is “Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families.”

Employees will be collecting through the month of April, and then boxing and sending care packages to the troops. Items suggested for donation include beef jerky, snacks such as protein bars, nuts, hard candies, gum, mints, etc., (no chocolate – it melts), batteries, bandanas, socks, lip balm, games and playing cards, wet wipes, cotton swabs, DVDs and CDs (old and gently used), reading material, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word games, pens/paper, phone cards and notes of encouragement.

For those who want to help in Dripping Springs, there is a collection box at Precinct 4, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway.