A Southwest Roanoke woman will collect donations for soldiers in Iraq today and Sunday at the Cave Spring Corners Kroger.

Angie Behan will collect nonperishable food, toiletries and amenities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3901 Brambleton Ave. S.W.

Some troops in areas of Iraq that aren't "cushy cushy" are in desperate need of basic supplies like toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, deodorant, foot powder, toothpaste, bug repellent, lip balm and sunscreen, Behan said.

Behan said she is also asking for nonperishable food that can be easily consumed because some of the food troops are given spoils quickly in Iraq's high temperatures. She is asking for items such as trail mix, pouches of tuna and powder mixes of Gatorade.

She is also looking for sponsors to help pay shipping for the supplies, which she estimates will cost more than $1 per pound, and for people to write letters or cards to the soldiers.

The supplies will be sent to Sgt. James Whitener, a platoon leader Behan contacted through the Web site anysoldier.com. Behan said her family recently shipped Whitener's platoon a box, and received a note saying the supplies "were gone within five minutes."

-- Jorge Valencia