Local businesswoman Mary Enk and her employees wanted to do something special for the upcoming holiday season.

"We wanted to do something and I especially love our troops, our vets and our flag," says Enk. "I remember one Christmas telling my husband the only thing I wanted was an American flag for our house and one for the office. He got me diamonds. Nice, but I really wanted the flags. I got them the next year."With a family tree full of veterans, it was just natural for Enk's group to choose an organization that provides some home comforts to our troops during the holidays.Enk's father, George Haldeman served in the Army Air Forces during WWII, where he fueled the Enola Gay.The public is welcome to drop off items at Mary Enk Realty, 2777 Route 903 in Albrightsville seven days a week. Donations are also being accepted at the Albrightsville Fire Company on Route 534 every Saturday night during bingo.The final day for drop-off will be Nov. 30. This will allow time for the items to be shipped off the Operation Shoebox, where they will be separated out and forwarded to the troops. Residents donating are encouraged to include a postcard with their names and address on it which will be included in one of the boxes.Some of the items being collected are:• Candy (heat-resistant, such as hard or chewy candies)• Stationery• Drink mixes• Dry snack foods, cookies, granola bars, etc.• Travel-size games, books and playing cards• CDs and DVDs• Various toiletriesFor a complete list, contact Mary Enk Realty at 570-722-8000.Cash donations are also being accepted to help defray the cost of shipping.