Reagan Library collecting items for the troop

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will collect donations for United States soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan through Sept. 30 in the library's main lobby at 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.

Donated items should be unwrapped and in the original packaging.

Items currently requested by soldiers include: snacks that are not heat sensitive and will not melt in hot temperatures, individual packets of lemonade or Crystal Light for water bottles, CDs, DVDs, used video games, AA batteries, stationery, prepaid phone cards and packets of trail mix, peanuts, gum, hard candy and beef jerky.

Only miniature hygiene items will be accepted.

The Reagan Library has joined forces with Simi Valleybased MilitaryConnection.com to co-sponsor these donations as part of the America Supports You Freedom Walk.

The Freedom Walk, which reflects upon the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honors veterans, will be at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

The walk will begin in the library's main courtyard and will follow a 1.8 mile courseending at Rancho Madera Community Park on Wood Ranch Parkway.

The first 750 people who register for the walk will receive a free "Freedom Walk" Tshirt and an American flag.To register, call (805) 5222977 or visit the website www.militaryconnection.com and click on "Simi Valley Freedom Walk."