A drive to supply soldiers of the local Army National Guard155th Infantry Battalion in Iraq with needed items draws to a closeFriday.

The local drive, sponsored by the 155th Infantry Battalionfamily readiness groups, businesses and an area radio station, ispart of a massive statewide effort, said Melissa Tanksley, statefamily programs director for the Mississippi Army NationalGuard.

The drive, which began several weeks ago, draws to a closeFriday. As part of the closing activities, WZFL-104.9 FM of McCombwill be hosting a live remote at Brookhaven Honda from 2-5 p.m. Thebusiness is one of four drop-off locations in the city.

“We hope to have a military vehicle here during the remote toremind people this drive is ending that day,” said Linda Covington,owner of the store.

She said the vehicle would be provided by Eric Boyd.

Other drop-off locations in Brookhaven include the unit’s armoryon Highway 84, State Bank and Farm Bureau, said Toni Alvey, familyreadiness group chairperson for Brookhaven.

Covington said local donations at her store have not “been thatgreat so far,” but she’s hopeful the pace will pick up as the drivecomes to a close.

“I think we’ll have the most reaction on Friday,” she said.

The list of items needed by soldiers includes mainly hygieneitems, but other items such as Bibles, reading materials and candyalso have been requested.

“It does include small toys for the Iraqi children,” Covingtonsaid.

Most of the troops have access to hygiene items “so they’rereally asking us to send them toys and stuff they can give to thechildren,” Tanksley said.

Troops often pass out individually wrapped hard candy and othergoodies to the children while on patrol.

Donated cash will be used to help offset postage charges,Covington said.